Government has announced that this year’s Independence Day celebrations will be significantly scaled down, with the main event taking place at Jubilee House instead of the traditional grand ceremony at Independence Square.
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the decision was made by President John Mahama as part of efforts to reduce government expenditure amid ongoing economic challenges.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the rotational hosting of Independence Day celebrations across regional capitals had significantly increased costs. A review found that these events placed a heavy financial burden on the national budget, with the last celebration costing GH¢15 million.
“In the spirit of cutting down on government expenditure on non-essential spending, President Mahama has instructed that the rotational policy be suspended,” he stated.
This year’s celebrations, marking Ghana’s 68th anniversary of independence, will now be a modest but meaningful event held at Jubilee House.
The program will feature a military guard of honour reviewed by the president, cultural performances by basic school pupils, and a poetry recital by a senior high school student. Chiefs, religious leaders, students, traders, political party representatives, and other key stakeholders will be in attendance.
President Mahama is also expected to deliver a ceremonial address to the nation to highlight the significance of the day.
Kwakye Ofosu stressed that while Independence Day remains a historic occasion worth celebrating, the government is prioritising critical sectors that require urgent funding.
“It is entirely possible to hold modest but significant events to mark this important occasion without breaking the national purse,” he added.
