Mahama slams critics of Ghana@59 speech

President John Dramani Mahama has slammed critics of his speech delivered at the 59th Independence Day, saying they lack the understanding of the speech he delivered.

The President had said among other things that the vision of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to demonstrate to the world that Ghana can lay a foundation for a unique African identity has been realised.

President Mahama also called for the participation of every citizen in efforts to build and move the country forward.

“We must invest ourselves not only in the achievements our nation has chalked but also in the challenges because each of us is the face of Ghana,” President Mahama said.

Shortly after the speech, flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo described the speech as disappointing and empty.

According to Akufo-Addo, the President should have used the occasion to admit the nation is facing serious challenges that need quick redress.

But in an interview with TV3’s Bridget Otoo Monday, President Mahama said his critics lack the basic understanding of the number of things he said at the Independence Square.

“I guess they don’t understand the importance of the Independence Day speech,” President Mahama said.

He added: “Maybe they might have their motive for saying that but I have delivered about three similar speeches and none has been described as empty.

"A speech that speaks about Jomo Kenyatta, a speech that speaks about JB Danquah...and other heroes in Africa is described as empty then I don’t know what they wanted to hear.”