Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration has seen an unprecedented budget reduction, with the government cutting costs by a staggering 90%. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, announced that the move reflects a deliberate strategy to balance the celebration’s significance with fiscal responsibility.
The budget, which previously stood at GH₵15 million under past administrations, has now been reduced to a mere tenth of that figure. This year’s event, scheduled to take place on March 6 at Jubilee House, will feature just over 500 participants—a significant drop from the thousands who traditionally attend.
“In the past, the celebration included 60 contingents, each consisting of 60 personnel, totaling about 3,600 participants. This year, we have scaled it down drastically to minimize costs,” Kwakye Ofosu stated during a press briefing.
He assured Ghanaians that the reduction in scale would not compromise the essence of the occasion. “President Mahama believes that Independence Day must be marked to honor our history and progress, but it should be done in a way that reflects current economic realities. The savings will be redirected to address other critical national needs,” he added.
The decision underscores the government’s commitment to prudent financial management while preserving the historical and cultural importance of Independence Day. By streamlining the event, the administration aims to demonstrate its dedication to prioritizing the country’s pressing developmental challenges without neglecting the significance of the milestone celebration.
The scaled-down ceremony is expected to serve as a model for future national events, balancing tradition with a focus on efficient resource utilization.
Story by : Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
