President Mahama has announced that Ghana saved GH₵19 million by scaling down the 2025 Independence Day celebrations. He emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility in light of economic challenges and pointed out that costs for a full event would exceed GH₵20 million. Key figures attended the scaled-down event, affirming its historic significance despite its smaller scale.
President John Dramani Mahama has defended the decision to reduce the scale of Ghana’s 2025 Independence Day celebrations, revealing that the country saved GH₵19 million through this action. In his address during the 68th Independence Day celebrations on March 6, 2025, he noted that a comprehensive event at Independence Square would have incurred costs of at least GH₵20 million.
Instead of a grand celebration, the event was hosted at the forecourt of the Jubilee House for a significantly lower cost. Last year’s celebration in Cape Coast cost the state GH₵15 million, while the prior year in Ho amounted to GH₵13.7 million.
President Mahama emphasized that in a year marked by economic strains, it is irresponsible to allocate such large sums for a brief celebration. He pointed out, “In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice, it is unconscionable to spend that amount on a few hours of celebration.” He portrayed this decision as part of a commitment to fiscal responsibility amid ongoing economic challenges in Ghana.
Despite the scaling down, President Mahama stressed the significance of Independence Day as a historic event. He remarked, “Reducing the scale of the event does not take away its importance. Ghana’s independence remains the most defining moment in our history, inspiring other African nations to seek self-determination.”
Traditionally, the celebrations have been centered at the Black Star Square in Accra, although in recent years, they have been rotated among different regions. Mahama noted that this year’s economic difficulties necessitated maintaining a smaller scale for the event, which was attended by prominent government officials, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, and foreign dignitaries, including Tanzania’s former President Jakaya Kikwete, who served as the special guest.
In summary, President Mahama’s decision to scale down the 2025 Independence Day celebrations has yielded significant fiscal savings for Ghana. This approach aligns with a broader effort to prioritize economic responsibility during challenging times while retaining the essence of the historic occasion. The remarks made by the President emphasize the necessity of prudent financial management in light of national economic realities.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
