Accra: During the 68th Independence Anniversary celebration, Ghanaians were informed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States orchestrated the removal of Ghana's first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at the event at Jubilee House on March 6, 2025, revealed that declassified US intelligence documents confirm the CIA's involvement in the coup that led to Nkrumah's ousting while he was out of the country.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama stated, "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." He emphasized that Nkrumah's vision for an industrialized, self-reliant Ghana was disrupted by the coup on February 24, 1966, which marked the beginning of a period of instability and military takeovers in the country.
Reflecting on Nkrumah's legacy, Mahama noted the late president's dream for Ghana to have a high standard of economic life and a strong sense of patriotism and Pan-African unity. The coup, however, was a significant setback to these aspirations, as it plunged Ghana into decades of political turmoil.
The 68th Independence Day celebration marked 68 years since Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule, a historic milestone led by Nkrumah on March 6, 1957. This year's commemoration, unlike previous years, was more modest due to budgetary constraints, featuring a parade at the seat of government and a presidential address.
The theme for the celebration, "Reflect, Review, Reset," saw activities such as a Military Guard of Honour, cultural performances by basic school pupils, and a poetry recital by a senior high school student. Similar modest celebrations were held across the country by various assemblies, reflecting a government decision to reverse the previous rotational policy of hosting events outside the capital to cut costs.