President John Dramani Mahama joined Kenyans in celebrating their 62nd Jamhuri Day, sharing a message of Pan-African solidarity and shared prosperity while honouring the enduring friendship between Ghana and Kenya.

The President conveyed warm greetings from the people of Ghana, declaring that “on this day, your 62nd Jamhuri Day, the people of Ghana are in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Kenya.”

He paid tribute to the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting that “the friendship between our independence leaders, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah has become an enduring flame that has continued to bind our two countries together.”

President Mahama acknowledged President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, celebrating Kenya’s journey since independence and the sacrifices of freedom fighters whose legacy both nations honour.

While recognising that Africa’s forebears won political independence, President Mahama emphasised that “it is the responsibility of our current generation of African leadership to win economic independence and prosperity for our people.”

He challenged the current global economic order. “Africa faces many challenges, including a global order that is rigged against it and systems that make us suppliers of unprocessed raw materials and importers of finished products.”

President Mahama specifically commended Kenya’s Pan-African leadership, expressing “the sincerest appreciation of the people of Ghana to the people of Kenya for your timely intervention in Haiti to bring relief to the long-suffering people of Haiti.”

He noted that Ghana is also deploying troops from its 48th Engineer Regiment to assist Jamaica in rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

The President outlined a vision for Africa’s transformation, calling for adding value to Africa’s exports, securing a fairer share of natural resource endowments, providing transparent and accountable leadership, unleashing the creativity and energy of African youth, and increasing intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

President Mahama concluded by offering personal condolences and the sympathy of all Ghanaians on the passing of statesman Mzee Raila Odinga, saying, “May God grant him peaceful rest.”