President John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana has gained a significant amount of money by departing from the usual grand-scale celebrations of independence day on 6th March.
In a move which differs from previous celebrations, this year’s 68th Independence Anniversary was held at the Flagstaff House with limited attendance.
Unlike previous years, where over 3,600 personnel and thousands of schoolchildren participated, this year’s celebration featured a reduced contingent of just over 500 people, including security personnel and schoolchildren.
The event included a military guard of honour, cultural performances by basic school pupils, a poetry recital by a senior high school student, and attendance by chiefs, religious leaders, students, traders, and political party representatives.
In his anniversary speech, President Mahama provided explanations.
“The state spent GH₵15 million on last year’s celebration in Koforidua and spent GH₵13.7 million on the previous year’s celebration in Ho. This year, we received estimates of at least GH₵20 million for holding the event at the Independence Square on the same scale as the previous years,” he noted.
“In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice, including workers who have graciously accepted a base pay 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 believed fiscal discipline and a commitment to judicious use of limited resources have become necessary due to the state of the economy, which is supported by an IMF programme.
He was of the view that the change in celebrations does not affect the importance, values and significance to Ghanaians.
“Nonetheless, reducing the scale of the event does not take away the significance of this occasion in any way. Ghana’s independence is the most defining moment in our history, setting us on the path of nationhood and inspiring other African countries to seek self-determination,” President Mahama said.
Former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, as well as foreign dignitaries, including Tanzania’s former president Jakaya Kikwete, who was the special guest, graced the occassion.
