During the 68th Independence Day celebration, President John Dramani Mahama revealed that declassified US documents implicate the CIA in the coup that removed Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, leading to years of instability. The event, marking 68 years of independence, emphasized a more modest approach amidst economic measures, featuring military honors and cultural performances.
President John Dramani Mahama has articulated that the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) orchestrated the removal of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. At the 68th Independence Day celebration on March 6, 2025, he revealed insights from declassified US intelligence documents, asserting, “The verdict of history is now loud and clear. Declassified documents from the United States archives reveal that this was a coup inspired and engineered by the CIA.”
Mahama expressed that Nkrumah’s ousting led to prolonged instability in Ghana and extinguished his developmental aspirations for the nation. He remarked, “Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the founder of our nation, envisioned an industrialised, self-reliant Ghana whose citizens have the highest standard of economic life and the greatest sense of self-esteem, rooted in patriotism and Pan-African unity.”
The 68th Independence Day celebration commemorates Ghana’s liberation from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957. The event, themed “Reflect, Review, Reset,” took a more understated approach compared to previous years, opting for cost-effective arrangements. Activities included a Military Guard of Honour and performances from local pupils, with plans for similar modest celebrations across various districts.
Historically, in 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, a significant milestone for the continent. In recent years, Independence Day celebrations had shifted locations to enhance inclusivity but this year involved reverting to more centralized events, reflecting the government’s initiatives to manage expenses.
In summary, President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks shed light on the controversial role played by the CIA in the removal of Kwame Nkrumah, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s history that led to years of instability. The 68th Independence Day celebration served as a reminder of Ghana’s journey towards self-determination, albeit under a revised, modest framework this year to address financial considerations. The themes of reflection and reset resonate deeply as the nation reassesses its past while looking toward its future.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
