The Government of Ghana has announced significant cost-cutting measures ahead of the country’s 68th Independence Day celebrations, including the suspension of the rotational hosting policy and a scaled-down national event, in response to economic challenges.
At a press conference held at the Jubilee House, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications revealed that the annual rotation of the national celebrations across various regional capitals had been suspended indefinitely due to its escalating financial burden on the state.
“For the past few years, the government has rotated the hosting of the Independence Day celebrations among different regional capitals to ensure nationwide inclusivity. However, President Mahama has directed that this practice be halted due to its unsustainable cost implications”.
Hon Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State, Government Communications and Spokesperson to President Mahama
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who doubles as the Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama justified that the government review of previous events revealed that hosting the celebrations outside Accra significantly increased expenditure, with the most recent event in Ho costing the country an alarming GHS 15 million.
According to him, each time the celebrations were moved to a different regional capital under the previous administration, additional costs were incurred, stretching an already constrained national budget.
In the spirit of cutting down on government expenditures, on non-essential expenditures, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu indicated that President Mahama has instructed that this rotational policy be suspended.
Austerity Measures for Independence Day Celebrations
Beyond halting the rotation policy, the government has also decided to scale down the usual grand celebrations traditionally held at Independence Square in Accra.
Instead of the elaborate parades involving large contingents of security personnel, schoolchildren, and various groups, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu pointed out that this year’s event will take a more modest format, with key activities taking place at the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
“The President believes that at this moment in time, there is a need to reprioritize government expenditure. And one of the areas where savings can be made is this independence celebration.
“He believes that it is entirely possible to hold modest but significant events to mark this important occasion without breaking the national purse”.
Hon Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State, Government Communications and Spokesperson to President Mahama
The scaled-down celebration according to Hon. Kwakye Ofosu will feature: a military guard of honour to be reviewed by President Mahama, a cultural performance by two groups of basic school pupils, and an impactful poetry recital by a senior high school student.
Other activities according to Hon. Kwakye Ofossu include attendance by chiefs, religious leaders, students, traders, and political party representatives to maintain the significance of the occasion.
To further enhance national consciousness while keeping costs minimal, other symbolic events will still be observed, including the commemoration of the 28th February Christianborg Crossroad Shooting Incident and the Presidential Awards for Outstanding Schoolchildren.
Additionally, the government’s communications office, formerly the Information Services Department, according to Hon. Kwakye Ofosu will launch a public relations and digital campaign to engage citizens through audiovisual and print materials, ensuring widespread participation despite the scaled-back physical event.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu underscored that these measures align with the government’s broader agenda of cutting non-essential expenditures to refocus resources on more pressing national needs.
“While the significance of our independence cannot be understated, the government must also make prudent financial decisions, especially during these challenging economic times”.
Hon Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State, Government Communications and Spokesperson to President Mahama
By shifting to a cost-conscious format, President Mahama’s administration aims to maintain the symbolic importance of Ghana’s independence while ensuring that national resources are directed towards areas of greater socio-economic impact.
This latest decision reflects the government’s broader fiscal consolidation efforts, as it continues to navigate Ghana through prevailing economic constraints.
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