President John Dramani Mahama has defended the decision to reduce the scale of Ghana’s 2025 Independence Day celebrations, explaining that the move saved the country GH₵19 million.
In a national address on Thursday, March 6, 2025, during the 68th Independence Day commemoration, President Mahama noted that holding a full-scale event at Independence Square would have cost at least GH₵20 million.
Instead, the more modest celebration, held at the forecourt of the Jubilee House, cost only a fraction of that amount.
“Last year, the state spent GH₵15 million on the celebration in Cape Coast, and GH₵13.7 million the year before in Ho. This year, estimates suggested a full-scale event at the Black Star Square would have cost GH₵20 million,” he said.
“With workers accepting a base pay adjustment well below inflation, it would have been irresponsible to spend such an amount on a few hours of celebration,” he added.
The President explained that the decision was part of broader efforts to demonstrate fiscal responsibility amid Ghana’s ongoing economic challenges.
While acknowledging the significance of Independence Day as a historic moment, President Mahama emphasized that the financial realities necessitated prudent spending.
“Scaling down the event does not diminish its importance. Ghana’s independence remains the most defining moment in our history, laying the foundation for nationhood and inspiring other African nations to pursue self-determination,” he said.
Traditionally, Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations have been held at the Black Star Square in Accra, though in recent years, the event has been rotated among various regions. However, Mahama noted that the current economic climate made it necessary to pause this arrangement.
The scaled-back event was attended by key government officials, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, and foreign dignitaries, including Tanzania’s former President Jakaya Kikwete, who was the special guest.
