President John Dramani Mahama has defended his administration’s decision to hold a limited version of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations, citing the nation’s ongoing economic crisis as a key reason.
Speaking at the forecourt of the Jubilee House, President Mahama explained that large-scale celebrations come with significant logistical, security, and public infrastructure costs, which the government deemed unnecessary in the current economic climate.
“The state spent GHS 15 million on last year’s celebration in Koforidua and GHS 13.7 million on the previous year’s celebration in Ho. We received estimates of at least GHS 20 million for holding the event at Independence Square this year on the same scale as previous years,” he said.
In contrast, the scaled-down event at the Presidency is expected to cost only 5% of that estimate, saving the nation approximately GHS 19 million.
President Mahama emphasized that the government’s priority is fiscal prudence, noting that workers have accepted a base pay adjustment far below the inflation rate. “In a year when we call on everyone to sacrifice… it is unconscionable to spend that much money on a few hours of celebration.”
Despite the reduced scale, the President assured Ghanaians that the significance of the day remains intact.
“Ghana’s independence is the single most important event in our history… This day must always be commemorated, but when reality calls for a different approach, we must heed it.”
The move has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some praising the government’s commitment to cutting costs while others argue that the celebration is a national heritage that deserves full-scale commemoration.
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