A Call to Transform Independence Day into a National Exhibition of Made-in-Ghana Innovation and Talent
His Excellency PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA
The President of the Republic of Ghana
Jubilee House, Accra
Your Excellency, I write to you as a proud Ghanaian living abroad, deeply committed to the future of our country and the promise of our independence. This letter is written not in criticism, but in hope—hope that Ghana’s Independence Day, 6th March, can be transformed into a powerful engine for national development, youth empowerment, and industrial growth.
After 69 years of independence (1957–2026), Ghana has achieved political stability and democratic maturity worthy of admiration across Africa. Yet, one critical question remains unanswered: why has our industrial and manufacturing base not grown at the same pace as countries that gained independence around the same period?
Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and parts of Europe deliberately used national celebrations, state procurement, education systems, and youth innovation platforms to build strong domestic industries. Today, they export technology, machinery, vehicles, electronics, and refined consumer goods to the rest of the world—including Ghana.
A PROPOSAL: MAKE 6TH MARCH A NATIONAL EXHIBITION DAY OF MADE-IN-GHANA GOODS
Instead of limiting Independence Day celebrations largely to parades and ceremonial marching under the hot sun, I humbly propose that 6th March be redesigned as a National Exhibition of Made-in-Ghana Products, Innovations, and Talents, beginning from the district level, regional level and culminating at the national level.
This exhibition should involve: Basic schools, SHSs, TVET institutions, universities, young innovators and tech talents, Artisans, farmers, craftsmen, informal sector creators, Entrepreneurs, startups, local manufacturers, People on the streets with exceptional skills or unique products among others
PUTTING THE FUTURE INTO THE HANDS OF THE YOUTH
Across the world, countries that thrive trust their youth with responsibility, tools, and visibility.
In China, schoolchildren exhibit robotics, electronics, and product prototypes from an early age.
In Japan, innovation culture starts from primary school through hands-on learning and exhibitions.
In the United States and Europe, national fairs, science expos, and startup showcase feed directly into industry and venture capital.
In South Korea, the government deliberately turned youth innovation into a national export strategy within two generations.
Ghana’s youth are no less talented. What they often lack is platform, exposure, market access, and belief from leadership.
WHY EXHIBITION IS BETTER THAN MARCHING
Marching builds discipline but exhibiting builds nations. An exhibition-based Independence Day would encourage practical creativity over symbolism, promote problem-solving and innovation, build confidence and entrepreneurial thinking, link education directly to production, and inspire job creation instead of job seeking.
Students should proudly present solar innovations, agricultural processing ideas, software and digital solutions, locally designed machines, clothing, textiles, food products, crafts, and inventions.
THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURS AND THE STATE
Entrepreneurs must be encouraged not only to exhibit but also to patronize made-in-Ghana products. Mentor young innovators, support market access, refine products, and partner with schools and local creators.
Government, on its part, can use exhibitions to guide state procurement. Identify scalable innovations for industrial policy, channel selected ideas into One District One Factory (1D1F) pipelines and attract investors and diaspora participation.
THE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE
Facts speak clearly: countries that prioritize local manufacturing retain up to 70–80% of value within their economy. Ghana currently imports billions of dollars’ worth of goods annually, many of which can be locally produced.
According to global development data, manufacturing growth correlates directly with employment, export strength, and currency stability.
A structured annual exhibition can reduce import dependency, strengthen the cedi, grow SMEs into export-ready companies, and turn innovation into taxation, not unemployment.
A NATIONAL CALL TO PATRONIZE MADE-IN-GHANA
Your Excellency, no nation industrializes without deliberate national pride in its own products.
Ghanaians must be encouraged—by policy and example—to buy made-in-Ghana food and wear made-in-Ghana textiles, use made-in-Ghana tools, furniture, and technology, and trust and improve local quality rather than dismiss it. Quality improves when markets exist.
CONCLUSION: A LEGACY DECISION
History will remember leaders not only for speeches but also for systems they built.
Transforming 6th March into a National Made-in-Ghana Exhibition Day would give real meaning to independence, Place the future in the hands of the youth, unite education, innovation, and industry, Signal a bold shift from consumption to production.
It is never too late to realign independence with its true purpose: economic self-reliance and dignity of production.
I respectfully call on you, Your Excellency, and on policymakers across all levels of government, to consider this proposal in the supreme interest of Ghana’s future.
May Ghana rise not only in ceremony but also in creation, innovation, and industrial strength.
GAMOR DERICK AFENYO
Ghanaian/Italian Citizen