By: Belinda Nketia
President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that scaling back the 2025 Independence Day celebrations does not diminish its significance, but instead, it is a move that has saved Ghana an estimated GH₵19 million.
Speaking during the 6th Independence Day event at the Jubilee House, President Mahama explained that while the celebrations were pared down due to economic challenges, Ghana’s Independence remains a cornerstone of the nation’s history.
“Reducing the scale of the event does not take away from its importance,” Mr. Mahama said. “Ghana’s Independence is the foundation of our nationhood, and it continues to inspire self-determination across Africa.”
The decision to hold the event at the Jubilee House rather than the usual Independence Square in Accra has resulted in significant cost savings.
RELATED
- President Mahama scales down 68th Independence Day celebrations to demonstrate fiscal responsibility
“Last year, the celebration in Cape Coast cost GH₵15 million, and in 2023, the event in Ho came to GH₵13.7 million,” Mahama explained. “In a year when sacrifices are being made across the country, it would have been irresponsible to allocate such a large sum to a few hours of celebration.”
The President of the Republic also highlighted that, given the nation’s ongoing economic difficulties, reducing spending on such events was a necessary step. He pointed out that workers had accepted wage adjustments below inflation, further underscoring the need for fiscal responsibility.
Despite the scaled-back nature of the event, President Mahama emphasized the lasting importance of Ghana’s Independence, which was the first in sub-Saharan Africa and continues to inspire African nations to pursue self-determination.
The 68th Independence Day celebration was attended by key government officials, including former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as foreign dignitaries like former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who was the special guest.
With Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations held at various locations in recent years, President Mahama acknowledged that the financial realities of this year made it impractical to continue rotating the event among different regions.
One Response