Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communication, announced that Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration, held today, March 6, at the Jubilee House, is being conducted at a significantly reduced cost compared to previous years.
“I can reveal that this year’s celebrations will cost a tenth (GHS 1.5m) of what was spent in Koforidua last year,” he said, adding that the 2023 event had cost GHS 15 million ($1.2 million).
“The Independence Day celebration remains significant to President Mahama, but it must be marked in a way that allows for critical savings,” Kwakye Ofosu said.
As part of a broader step of the government’s efforts to rein in public spending, as Ghana navigates a challenging macroeconomic environment, the government has also scaled back the number of participants from 3,600 security personnel and thousands of schoolchildren to just over 500.
On this day in Ghana’s history, the country heard from its leader, Kwame Nkrumah, who declared its independence at the Accra Polo grounds, saying: “At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever!”
