Ghana’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Alhassan Abu, has called for renewed commitment to national development, unity and global justice as Ghana commemorated its 69th Independence Anniversary in Abidjan.

The celebration, held on 6 March at the Ambassador’s residence in Abidjan, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives from Côte d’Ivoire, leaders of the Ghanaian community, and guests.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Abu reflected on the historic significance of Ghana’s independence, describing it as a defining moment not only for Ghana but for the entire African continent.

“It gives me great pleasure and profound honour to receive you this evening on this august occasion of the commemoration of the Sixty-Ninth Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Ghana, a day that marks our nation’s bold declaration of freedom, dignity and self-determination on the 6th of March, 1957,” he said.

He recalled that under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana became the first country south of the Sahara to gain independence from colonial rule.

“On that historic day, under the visionary leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana became the first country south of the Sahara to break the chains of colonial rule. Our independence was not only a triumph for Ghanaians, but a clarion call to Africa and the Black world that freedom was possible, attainable, and worth fighting for,” he stated.

Theme: Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope

The Ambassador highlighted this year’s celebration theme, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” and conveyed goodwill messages on behalf of John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana.

“On behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, and in my own name, I bring warm greetings and hearty felicitations to all of you and all Ghanaians,” he said.

Ambassador Abu emphasised Ghana’s democratic achievements over the past six decades while acknowledging the challenges the country continues to face.

“Today, as we reflect on 69 years of nationhood, we do so with humility—acknowledging our progress, learning from our challenges, and recommitting ourselves to the ideals upon which our Republic was founded: freedom, justice, unity and prosperity for all,” he said.

Government’s ‘Reset Agenda’

The Ambassador also highlighted the government’s “Reset Agenda”, which he described as a strategic national effort to revitalise Ghana’s economy and restore public confidence in state institutions.

“It is in this spirit that the Government of Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, has embarked upon what we describe as a Reset Agenda—a deliberate national effort to recalibrate our priorities, restore confidence in public institutions, and realign governance with the aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” he explained.

According to him, the agenda focuses on economic revitalisation, accountability, job creation and social inclusion.

“At its core, this agenda is a call to action: a call to rebuild trust, a call to strengthen institutions, and a call to position Ghana competitively within the global economy, while remaining true to the country’s Pan-African heritage and values,” he said.

He noted that early results from the reforms are already visible.

“It is gratifying to note that the strategies and prudent financial measures taken by the John Dramani Mahama administration are beginning to yield tangible results, reflected in the stability of our currency and other macroeconomic indicators,” he said.

Call for Support for Reparatory Justice

Ambassador Abu also used the occasion to highlight Ghana’s intention to lead global advocacy for recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity.

He noted that President Mahama, in his capacity as the African Union Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations, intends to present a resolution at the United Nations.

“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama… formally announced Ghana’s intention to table a United Nations Resolution recognising the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime against humanity,” he said.

The Ambassador stressed that the historical injustices associated with the slave trade justify calls for reparatory justice.

“The scale, organisation and longevity of this enterprise, and the intergenerational harms it produced, establish a clear basis for reparations and restitution grounded in historical justice, moral accountability and international responsibility,” he stated.

Strengthening Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Relations

Ambassador Abu also praised the strong diplomatic ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, describing the relationship as one built on shared history, geography and culture.

“We deeply value the hospitality extended to the Ghanaian community here in Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, security, culture and regional integration,” he said.

He added that the cultural similarities between the two countries reinforce the bonds between their people.

“The very striking similarities between the cultures of our two countries are heartwarming and underscore the fact that we are one and the same people,” he noted.

Independence as a Continuing Responsibility

Concluding his address, Ambassador Abu reminded guests that independence carries an ongoing responsibility to build a stronger nation.

“Independence is not merely an event of the past, but a continuous responsibility—a responsibility to govern justly, to work diligently, to hold ourselves accountable, and to build a future worthy of the generations yet unborn,” he said.

He urged Ghanaians to remain united and committed to national progress.

“May the spirit of unity that inspired our independence continue to guide us. May Ghana continue to rise, renewed in purpose and strengthened in resolve,” he said.

The Ambassador ended the evening by inviting guests to raise a toast to the prosperity of both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

“May I humbly ask you to rise and raise your glasses as we toast to the continued prosperity of our beloved nation, Ghana, and that of our host nation, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.