The 68th Independence Day celebration parade on 6th March 2025 is scheduled to take place only at the Jubilee House.
According to the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, the change in venue is aimed at cutting costs.
The Abura Asebu Kwamankese MP disclosed this at a press briefing on Wednesday, where he also announced the cessation of the regional rotation policy for the celebration.
“Whereas the intentions may be noble, President Mahama has asked that the rotational policy be suspended because of the need to scale down, and this has become necessary due to escalating costs.
“It has been discovered after some review that the rotation imposed additional costs, and therefore, at a time when our national budget is severely constrained due to economic difficulties, it was not going to be sustainable to keep rotating the national celebrations.”
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to prudent spending while delivering on its core mandate, he stated that the 2023 event cost the country GH¢15 million.
“Indeed, if I were to put figures on how much it costs, you would find out that depending on where the celebrations are held, there are significant cost implications. For instance, the last celebration held in Ho cost the country a staggering GH¢15 million, and every time it has been moved to a different regional capital aside from Accra, we’ve had to bear similar costs.
“In the spirit of cutting down on non-essential expenditure, President Mahama has instructed that this rotational policy be suspended. In addition to this, the main celebration, which ordinarily would have taken place in Accra at Independence Square, has been scaled down,” he explained.
He added that although the President values the celebration as a significant part of the country’s history, he is mindful of the current economic challenges and other pressing needs, which necessitate re-prioritizing government expenditure.
“He believes that it is entirely possible to hold a modest but significant event to mark this important occasion without putting a strain on the national purse.”
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