President John Dramani Mahama has justified the decision to hold Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration at Jubilee House instead of the traditional Black Star Square.
Speaking at the Anniversary Celebration in Accra, President Mahama explained that the country is facing an economic crisis, making it necessary to scale down celebrations to avoid excessive expenditure.
“Unfortunately, this year, we are constrained not only to interrupt the rotation of the Independence Day celebrations among the regions but also to hold it in a scaled-down version at the forecourt of the presidency. Large-scale celebrations come with significant logistical, security, and infrastructure costs, which strain the national budget,” he stated.
Mahama revealed that the 2023 Independence Day celebration in Koforidua cost GHS 15 million, while the 2022 event in Ho cost GHS 13.7 million.
This year, hosting it at the Independence Square on the same scale would have required at least GHS 20 million, which he described as unjustifiable for just a few hours of celebration.
“This year’s event will save us 95% of the estimated cost, demonstrating our commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of limited resources,” he added.
The President however, assured that it does not diminish the significance of Independence Day, emphasizing that the day remains a symbol of Ghana’s freedom and national pride.
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