Government Saves 95% of Independence Day Budget – President Mahama

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the government has saved 95% of the 20 million Ghana cedis budgeted for this year’s Independence Day celebration by holding the event at the Jubilee House instead of the traditional venue, the Black Star Square.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President explained that the previous administration had adopted a rotational approach to the celebration, hosting it in different regions to bring the national event closer to the people. While this initiative was intended to promote inclusivity and national unity, he noted that it came with significant financial implications.

President Mahama disclosed that in previous years, the government spent GHS 15,000,000 to organize the event in Koforidua in the Eastern Region and GHS 13,000,000 when it was held in Ho, in the Volta Region. He pointed out that such expenditures, when compounded with logistics, transportation, security, and other operational costs, placed a considerable financial burden on the state.

To address these concerns, he said his administration decided to streamline costs by hosting the parade at the Presidency. He assured the public that despite the change in venue, the essence and significance of the Independence Day celebration remained intact.

“The celebration of our independence is a proud moment for all Ghanaians, and it is important that we mark it in a manner that reflects its importance. However, we must also be mindful of the costs involved and ensure that resources are used prudently,” the President stated.

The decision to centralize the celebration has sparked conversations among political analysts, governance experts, and the general public. While some argue that the rotational system helped foster national unity and allowed different regions to participate in the historic event, others believe that cost-saving measures should be prioritized, especially in the face of economic challenges. As the government continues to explore ways to manage public spending effectively, the debate over balancing national traditions with fiscal responsibility is expected to remain a key topic of discussion in the coming years.