President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that the 68th Independence Day celebration cost the country only GH¢1.5 million.
Speaking at the celebration at the Jubilee House, the president indicated that GH¢1.5 million is just 10% of the GH¢15 million used for the same celebration in 2024.
He added that the country would have spent about GH¢20 million if it had held a grand celebration like what was seen in 2024.
“Today’s celebration costs GH¢1.5 million, which is only one-tenth of what it would have cost to hold it at the Independence Square. The cost of last year’s celebration in Koforidua was GH¢15 million. The previous year, when it was held in Ho, it cost GH¢13.7 million.
“Holding the same event at the Independence Square this year on the same scale as previous years would have cost a minimum of GH¢20 million,” the president said.
He added that the reduction in the scale of the Independence Day celebration does not reduce the significance of the day.
Unlike previous years, when grand ceremonies ignited the country’s historic Black Star Square and regional capitals, this year’s commemoration was “modest” to cut costs.
A parade was held at the seat of government, where the president addressed the nation to herald the celebrations.
This year’s celebration at the Presidency, on the theme: “Reflect, Review, Reset,” featured key activities such as a Military Guard of Honour to be reviewed by the President and a cultural performance by two groups of basic school pupils.
There was also a poetry recital by a senior high school student.
Similar “modest” celebrations are expected to be held by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies across the country.
Recent celebrations had been held on a rotational basis, mostly outside the capital, to engender inclusiveness and decentralisation – but the rotational policy has been reversed by the government as part of measures to cut expenditure.
According to President Mahama, they received estimates of at least GHC 20 Million to hold the Independence Day celebrations at the Independence Square.
The scaled down celebrations at the Jubilee House however has saved Ghana 95% of the estimated cost. #GhanaAt68 pic.twitter.com/EYNBV2b5ve
— Kafui Dey (@KafuiDey) March 6, 2025
Watch more videos from the 68th Independence Day celebration below:
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