The government has reduced the budget for the 68th Independence Day celebrations by 90%, down from GH₵15 million under the previous administration.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communication, revealed that this year’s event, scheduled for March 6 at Jubilee House, has been reduced to just over 500 participants from thousands in prior years.
“In the past, we had 60 contingents of 60 personnel apiece, totalling approximately 3,600 participants. “We have reduced this to ensure lower costs,” he stated.
Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the new budget is barely a tenth of the previous year’s, emphasising that the smaller celebration does not decrease its significance.
“President Mahama believes Independence Day must be celebrated, but in a way that allows savings to be redirected to other essential areas,” he declared.
The decision underscores the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while also retaining the national event’s historical significance.