As Ghana marked its 68th Independence anniversary with a solemn celebration at the Jubilee House, some citizens have expressed varied opinions on the government’s decision to cut costs and its overall performance in office so far.
Traditionally, Independence Day, March 6, is marked with a national parade at the Independence Square in Accra, and is attended by the President, government officials, military, students and citizens, with similar parades and events taking place in regional capitals and districts across the country.
In his address at the event yesterday, President John Dramani Mahama revealed that the state spent GH¢15 million on last year's celebration in Koforidua, and spent GH¢13.7 million on the previous year's celebration in Ho in the Volta Region.
This year, he said, the government received estimates of at least GH¢20 million for the event at the Independence Square on the same scale as the previous years.
President Mahama said yesterday's event saved the nation 95 per cent of the estimated cost of the event, meaning the state spent just GH¢1 million on the event instead of the estimated GH¢20 million.
Events
The day features march pasts, cultural displays, patriotic speeches and performances showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage.
It is a public holiday, and Ghanaians celebrate with concerts, fireworks, street parties and traditional festivities.
The occasion reflects national pride, unity and remembrance of the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
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Public laud cost cutting on Independence Day
Public laud cost cutting on Independence Day
Public laud cost cutting on Independence Day
Dickson Worlanyo Dotse & Diana Mensah
Mar - 07 - 2025 , 14:08
5 minutes read
As Ghana marked its 68th Independence anniversary with a solemn celebration at the Jubilee House, some citizens have expressed varied opinions on the government’s decision to cut costs and its overall performance in office so far.
Traditionally, Independence Day, March 6, is marked with a national parade at the Independence Square in Accra, and is attended by the President, government officials, military, students and citizens, with similar parades and events taking place in regional capitals and districts across the country.
In his address at the event yesterday, President John Dramani Mahama revealed that the state spent GH¢15 million on last year's celebration in Koforidua, and spent GH¢13.7 million on the previous year's celebration in Ho in the Volta Region.
This year, he said, the government received estimates of at least GH¢20 million for the event at the Independence Square on the same scale as the previous years.
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President Mahama said yesterday's event saved the nation 95 per cent of the estimated cost of the event, meaning the state spent just GH¢1 million on the event instead of the estimated GH¢20 million.
Events
The day features march pasts, cultural displays, patriotic speeches and performances showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage.
It is a public holiday, and Ghanaians celebrate with concerts, fireworks, street parties and traditional festivities.
The occasion reflects national pride, unity and remembrance of the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
However, in a departure from what the country has witnessed for years, President Mahama opted for the modest ceremony at the Presidency, citing the country’s financial difficulties.
A cross-section of the public, interviewed by the Daily Graphic yesterday, largely supported the decision, many of them highlighting the need for financial prudence in the face of the nation’s current economic challenges.
Some also shared their views on the government’s performance since assuming office on January 7, 2025.
Support for cutting cost
For many, the decision to scale down the celebration was a welcome development, considering the country’s current economic situation.
A shopper at the Kaneshie Market Complex, who only gave his name as Richard, said the government was on the right track, especially with its cost-cutting measures and ministerial restructuring.
“You can see more amendments in the area of ministerial appointments and even the merger of some ministries.
The decision to cut costs during our 68th Independence celebration is part of the President’s agenda of ‘resetting Ghana’. So far, the government is performing well, but we are watching to see if it will fulfil its promises,” he said.
A trader, Gifty Mawufemor, also applauded President Mahama for being a decisive leader, who was showing signs of making the economic welfare of citizens a priority.
“Well, if there’s no money, you don’t have to force yourself to do certain things.
He (the President) looked at the situation, especially about how the previous government left the economy, and decided what was best for the country was to save money from the celebrations and put it into more productive ventures for national development.
I think it was a good idea,” she explained.
A group of bus drivers and their mates told the Daily Graphic that the President was doing what needed to be done.
They said they believed it was high time leaders made firm decisions about the country’s finances “even if it would affect some things that we love as a nation”.
“We love to see the parade and the marching at the Independence Square. It reminds us of how much we love our country.
But this time around, the economy is tight.
So we must all make sacrifices,” one of them said.
Rejoice Tefutor, a researcher, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the financial and logistical relief the President’s decision brings.
“The country spends a lot of money on this celebration, and it is obvious our economy is in crisis.
If the President believes this decision will help save some funds, then I think it is good.
Also, looking at how students and security personnel stand for hours in the sun during the parade, this decision will save time and energy,” she noted.
A journalist, Benjamin Arcton-Tettey, did not only welcome the move but further described it as long overdue.
“I have always advocated such a cost-cutting measure, and I hope it continues in the years to come,” he said.
Performance
On the government’s performance in its first two months, views were mixed, with some expressing cautious optimism, while others raised concerns.
A teacher, Eugenia Ansah Manko, observed that it was too early to make a full assessment.
“The performance so far corresponds to the muted anniversary.
Everything is subdued, which may be the government’s way of communicating that they are still settling in.
Hopefully, by the next Independence Day, there will be more to discuss,” Ms Manko remarked.
A principal internal auditor with the Ghana Education Service (GES), Kwesi Kwasin, also described the government’s performance as “fair”, but noted that a more thorough assessment could be made with time.
They have just started, so we will monitor their actions and assess them as time goes by,” he stated.
However, while some applauded President Mahama’s ministerial appointments, others questioned certain decisions, particularly regarding the fight against corruption.
Benjamin Arcton-Tettey pointed to the Attorney-General’s decision to drop cases involving government officials as a cause for concern.
“The government must ensure that the fight against corruption is not based on partisan lines.
If cases against members of the current government are being dropped, it creates trust issues,” he cautioned.
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