President John Dramani Mahama has announced the suspension of the Independence Day Celebration Rotational Policy, an initiative introduced by the previous government to mark Ghana’s independence.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Jubilee Lounge in Accra, the Minister responsible for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that the decision is part of efforts to cut costs associated with the celebration.
“In the last few years, however, there has been an effort to rotate the celebrations amongst various regional capitals now, whereas the intentions behind that may be noble, President Mahama has asked that the rotational policy be suspended because of the need to scale down. And this has become necessary due to escalating costs,” he said.
He explained that the policy, introduced by former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, had placed a significant financial burden on the country. Citing the previous celebration in Ho, Volta Region, he revealed that an estimated GH₵15 million was spent on the event.
He noted that per President Mahama’s directive, this year’s 68th Independence Day Celebration will be held at Jubilee House to reduce expenses.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu outlined that the event will include a military honor ceremony reviewed by President Mahama, cultural performances by two groups of basic school pupils, an impact poetry recital by junior high school students, and other educational programs to commemorate the occasion.
He added that further details regarding the event will be communicated in due course.
By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
