President John Dramani Mahama has warned that corruption remains one of the biggest threats to Ghana’s development, describing it as a “cancer” that drains critical national resources and denies citizens essential services.

Delivering his address during the 69th Ghana Independence Day celebration at Jubilee House on March 6, 2026, the President stressed that the country’s ongoing national reset must be grounded in accountability, discipline, and integrity.

“Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of our nation,” he stated.

The President explained that corruption has far-reaching consequences, often depriving sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure of the resources needed to serve the public.

“Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom robbed of textbooks. It represents a hospital going without medicines. It represents a road left uncompleted. And it represents a young graduate denied opportunity,” he said.

President Mahama added that his administration is strengthening institutions and safeguarding anti-corruption agencies from political interference as part of efforts to ensure accountability in public office.

“Under my leadership, we're not just fighting corruption with words alone. We're strengthening institutions, protecting anti-corruption agencies from political interference, and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or party, is above the law,” he stressed.

However, he emphasised that the government alone cannot win the fight against corruption and called on citizens to help build a culture that values honesty and responsible leadership.

“We must foster a national culture of integrity where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he added.

The President noted that Ghana’s independence must be accompanied by discipline in national life, including how public resources are managed and how citizens conduct themselves in public service.

NA/MA

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