Ghana Saves 95% of GHS 20 Million Estimated Cost for 68th Independence Day Anniversary Celebration
President John Mahama has revealed that the government has saved 95% of the estimated GHS 20 million budget for this year’s Independence Day celebration by opting for a scaled-down event.
Speaking at the 68th Independence Day Anniversary celebration held at the forecourt of the Presidency, President Mahama noted that the decision was influenced by Ghana’s ongoing economic challenges.
“Large-scale celebrations often come with significant logistical, security, and infrastructure costs, which strain the national budget. By reducing the scale of the event, we wish to demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of our limited resources,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the cost of Independence Day celebrations had been increasing in recent years, rising from GHS 13.7 million in 2023 to GHS 15 million last year.
This year’s event was initially estimated to cost at least GHS 20 million had it been held at the Independence Square, following previous years’ arrangements.
“In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice, including workers who have graciously accepted a 10% salary base adjustments far below the rate of inflation, it is impractical to spend that kind of money on a few hours of celebration,” President Mahama emphasized.
Despite the scaled-down nature of the celebration, the President assured Ghanaians that it did not reduce the significance of the occasion, which he described as “the single most important event in our history.”
