Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication has revealed that Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations will cost only a tenth of the amount spent last year.
Today, March 6 the scaled-down event will take place at the Jubilee House.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, everything has been scaled down to significantly reduce costs.
He revealed that last year’s event held in Koforidua cost GH₵15 million.
Speaking on preparations, Kwakye Ofosu detailed, “ “In the past, there were 60 contingents made up of 60 men and women each. So we are talking close to 3,600 men and women and thousands of children who march.
“Now, everything has been scaled down to a little over 500 people. That includes both security personnel and schoolchildren who will be performing. This is to ensure that we do not incur the kind of costs we did in the past.
“I can reveal to you that the celebrations to be held here on Thursday will cost a tenth of what it took to host this event in Koforidua last year. That event cost GH₵15 million. What will be held here tomorrow will cost a tenth of that”, he added.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu further revealed President Mahama takes the Independence Day celebration very seriously and the scaled-down events in no way undermine the significance of the day.
“The scaled-down events in no way undermine the significance of the day. The Independence Day celebration is one that President Mahama takes very seriously.
He believes it must be celebrated, but in a manner that allows us to make savings that can be redirected into other areas of expenditure,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Manasseh Azure Awuni, an award-winning investigative journalist, has said the Independence Day celebrations a grand and wasteful celebrations.
According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, after six decades of independence, Ghana cannot keep our cities and towns clean.
He asserted that John Mahama cancelling the Independence Day celebration at the Black Star Square, has denied some people in his administration procurement deals worth millions of cedis.
However, saved the state money and set a good example that should remain forever.
Manasseh Azure Awuni’s comment comes as Felix Kwakye the Minister of Government Communications has revealed that the 2025 Independence Day celebration will be low-key to save cost.
Manasseh Azure wrote on X, “By cancelling the Independence Day celebration at the Black Star Square, President John Mahama has denied some people in his administration procurement deals worth millions of cedis.
He has, however, saved the state money and set a good example that should remain forever. Such grand and wasteful celebrations are meaningless when, after six decades of independence, we cannot keep our cities and towns clean. Good move, Mr. President”.
Watch the video below:
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Hon. @FelixKwakyeOfo1 gives a sneak preview of what is to be expected for tomorrow’s Independence Day Celebrations pic.twitter.com/gUkh4cMqMl
— Information Services Department – Ghana (@ISDGhana) March 5, 2025
