President John Dramani Mahama has justified the decision to significantly reduce the scale of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility amid the country’s economic challenges.

Speaking at a modest ceremony held at the Jubilee House on Thursday, March 6, the President explained that large-scale celebrations come with substantial financial and security implications, which the government could not afford at this time.

“This is necessary considering the economic crisis our nation is currently experiencing. Large-scale celebrations often come with significant security and infrastructure costs, which strain the national budget,” he stated.

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Mahama stressed that in a period when Ghanaians are being urged to make sacrifices, it would have been inappropriate to allocate millions of cedis to a one-day event.

“In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice, including workers who have graciously accepted a base pay adjustment far below the rate of inflation, it is unconscionable to spend that kind of money on a few hours of celebration. Today’s event will save us 95% of the estimated cost of the event,” he noted.

The government had initially projected to spend GHS20 million on the celebration, but with the scaled-down approach, most of that amount has been saved.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some commending the move as a necessary cost-cutting measure while others argue that the Independence Day celebrations hold significant national importance and should not be compromised.

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