President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to safeguard the country’s democratic values and harness the potential of its youthful population as the nation commemorated its 69th Independence Anniversary.

Speaking at the seat of government, Jubilee House in Accra, the President highlighted the resilience of the democratic system and the need for citizens, especially young people, to play an active role in sustaining the country’s progress.

Addressing a gathering of state officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, and citizens during the anniversary celebrations of the Independence, President Mahama reflected on the country’s political journey since independence.

He noted that successive administrations, despite facing various challenges, have collectively contributed to building the Ghana of today.

According to him, Ghana’s democratic stability is the result of a national culture that allows political competition without violence and disagreement without hostility.

The President stressed that the ability to maintain a multiparty democratic system, hold regular elections, and respect constitutional governance has earned the country recognition as one of Africa’s leading examples of democratic practice.

He observed that peaceful transfers of power between governments have strengthened public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforced the country’s reputation for political maturity.

“Every administration, regardless of its challenges, has contributed to the Ghana that we have today,” President Mahama stated, emphasizing that the endurance of the democracy is rooted in the willingness of citizens and political actors to engage in dialogue, compromise, and tolerance rather than conflict.

The democratic journey has evolved significantly since the country gained independence in 1957 under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. After periods of military interventions and constitutional disruptions in the decades that followed, the country returned to stable democratic governance with the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Since then, Ghana has successfully conducted several multiparty elections and witnessed multiple peaceful transfers of power between major political parties, strengthening its democratic credentials on the African continent.

President Mahama underscored that democracy goes beyond the act of voting during elections.

He described it as a culture that requires fairness, justice, and the collective commitment of citizens to uphold national values.

According to him, the strength of Ghana’s democracy lies not only in laws and institutions but also in the attitudes and civic responsibility of its people.

The President also used the occasion to deliver a message of encouragement to the youth, acknowledging their growing influence in shaping the nation’s future.

He said the current generation of young people possesses tools and opportunities that previous generations could hardly imagine, particularly due to rapid technological advancement.

Highlighting the impact of digital technology, President Mahama explained that modern tools such as smartphones have become powerful instruments for education, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

He noted that these devices can transform into classrooms for learning, platforms for business innovation, and gateways to the global digital economy.

Encouraging young people to take advantage of these opportunities, the President urged them to apply creativity, discipline, and determination in building sustainable careers and enterprises.

He emphasized that innovation and initiative among the youth are essential for driving Ghana’s economic transformation and inclusive growth.

President Mahama further appealed to young citizens to remain committed to ethical leadership, civic engagement, and accountability.

According to him, national development depends largely on a generation of informed and responsible citizens who are prepared to contribute to the country’s long-term prosperity.

However, the President called on government institutions, civil society organisations, and ordinary citizens to work together to protect democratic values and strengthen national unity.

He stressed that safeguarding the democratic achievements will be crucial in ensuring a prosperous and inclusive future for generations to come.