President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to pursue the Pan-African ideals of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, despite possible opposition, saying his commitment to African unity and the continent’s prosperity will remain central to his leadership.
He said he identified with Nkrumah’s vision and considered himself among the generation of leaders inspired by the former president’s philosophy of African unity and self-determination.
Speaking about Nkrumah’s legacy, President Mahama recalled the first president’s remarks before his death that, although he had been removed from power, others who shared his ideals would emerge to continue his mission.
“When Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown, and he went into exile, and he was ill and dying, he said that they might have gotten rid of him, but there are many Kwame Nkrumahs who will follow,” he said.
President Mahama said he believed Nkrumah’s reference to future generations of leaders included people such as himself, given his commitment to the former president’s vision and philosophy.
“I think that he was referring to people like me because I believe in him and his vision and philosophy of Pan-Africanism and African unity, and as long as I remain president, that will continue to be my vision,” he stated.
He acknowledged that pursuing Nkrumah’s ideals could attract criticism and opposition but insisted that such concerns would not deter him from prioritising Ghana’s national interests.
The President said Ghana must harness its natural resources to create economic opportunities and improve the welfare of its citizens rather than allow vested interests to dictate national development priorities.
“We must take advantage of the resources that God has blessed us with to create prosperity for our people. So if that annoys people or if somebody’s ox is gourd, I really don’t care,” he said.
He added that his responsibility was to serve Ghanaians and make decisions in their interest, regardless of whose interests might be affected.
“As long as I continue to remain in office, I will do the right thing by the people of Ghana, not because of somebody else’s interest,” President Mahama said.
