Ghanaians have praised President John Mahama for his decision to suspend the rotational policy of the Independence Day celebration.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, announced at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, that as part of efforts to cut costs, the 68th Independence Day Celebration, themed “Reflect, Review, and Reset,” would be moved from Independence Square to the Presidency in Accra.
He stated that figures on the cost of hosting rotational Independence Day celebrations showed significant financial implications depending on the location. For example, one of the celebrations held in Ho cost the country a staggering GH¢15 million. He added that every time the celebration was hosted in a regional capital outside Accra, Ghanaians had to bear such costs.
“In the spirit of cutting down on non-essential government expenditure, President Mahama has instructed that this rotational policy be suspended,” he said.
He explained that after reviewing the policy, it was found that the rotation imposed additional costs. At a time when the national budget is severely constrained due to economic difficulties, it would not be sustainable to continue rotating the national celebrations.
Mr. Ofosu further stated that even the main celebrations, which would have taken place at Independence Square in Accra, had also been scaled down.
He emphasized that President Mahama acknowledges the significance of celebrating Ghana’s independence, calling it “perhaps the most significant event in our entire history as a country.” However, he also recognizes the economic challenges and the competing needs of the country, particularly in critical sectors that lack adequate funding.
“He believes that at this moment, there is a need to reprioritize government expenditure,” Mr. Ofosu said. “One of the areas where savings can be made is the independence celebration.”
The suspension of the rotational celebration has been welcomed by a section of the public, who took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their approval.
One user commented: “A wise and responsible decision! Prioritizing essential spending over extravagant celebrations is the leadership Ghana needs right now.”
Another wrote: “The government’s initiative to curtail excessive spending is a commendable step towards fostering economic prudence. This move will pave the way for a future where resources are judiciously allocated, burdens are alleviated, and prosperity is distributed equitably.”
“Proper governance is here. The best leader is here to change the story. Give Mahama time to act in the nation’s interest,” another user added.
A fourth user stated: “Good leaders make difficult decisions at critical times like this. Thumbs up to @JDMahama.”
“God bless Mahama; lessons have been well learned from his first term. So far, so good… At least 12 years for the ‘yaanom’,” another person remarked.
A wise and responsible decision! Prioritizing essential spending over extravagant celebrations is the leadership Ghana needs right now.
— DeLightBringer Kiko ☀️ (@KSnetne) February 12, 2025
Herh The Supremo His Excellency John Dramani Mahama @JDMahama May you live long your second coming will forever be remembered you are indeed working…God bless Ghana🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭
— AmaSafoa🇬🇭 (@AmaSafoaGh) February 12, 2025
Excellent.
— Paul (@drpaul_md) February 12, 2025
The government’s ambitious initiative to curtail excessive spending is a commendable step towards fostering economic prudence. This endeavor will pave the way for a future where resources are judiciously allocated, burdens are alleviated, and prosperity is distributed equitably🦕
— THE_BISCUIT_BOARD_ROOM (@John_Kennedy_A) February 12, 2025
Proper government is here. The best hand is here to change the story.
Give Mahama time to act in the interest of the nation.— Revolution of Noble (@madison_ben5) February 12, 2025
Good leaders make difficult decisions at critical times like this. Thumbs up to @JDMahama.
— Joshua Konlan (@JoshuaBannnuman) February 12, 2025
God bless Mahama; lessons well learnt from the first term. So far so good….12 years at least for the yaanom 😂😂😂😂
— Son of the Lion 🦁 (Dzata ba)🇬🇭 (@richversatile) February 12, 2025
KA