As a component of endeavors to lessen government consumption amid the ongoing economic circumstances, President John Mahama has coordinated that the 68th Independence Day festivity be held at Jubilee House. Tending to a public interview on Wednesday, 12 February, Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the President has requested the suspension of the rotational facilitating of the public celebration, a strategy presented by previous President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
As per him, an administration survey uncovered that the rotational policy causes extra expenses for the state, referring to last year’s occasion in Ho, Volta District, for instance. Felix Kwakye Ofosu expressed:
For example, the last festival held in Ho cost the country a stunning 15 million Ghana cedis. Each time the occasion is facilitated externally in Accra, we need to bear such expenses. In the soul of decreasing trivial government consumption, President Mahama has asked that this rotational approach be suspended.
He added that this year’s celebration will be a modest event rather than the grand ceremony usually held at Independence Square:
We are going to have a significant but cost-effective ceremony at the Presidency. This will help minimise the often huge financial burden that comes with this celebration.
The minister also outlined the series of activities planned for the 68th Independence Day celebrations on 6 March 2025:
There will be a military guard of honour, reviewed by His Excellency the President, along with cultural performances by two groups of basic school pupils and an impactful poetry recital by a senior high school student.
The event will be attended by chiefs, religious leaders, and students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, traders, political party representatives, and other sections of society.
The celebrations will be highlighted by the President’s ceremonial address, which will underscore the significance of the day and provide an opportunity for national reflection.