The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that this year’s Independence Day celebration will cost about GH¢1.5 million.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on March 5, Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the scaled-down ceremony forms part of government efforts to reduce public spending while still marking the nation’s independence.
“It is to save cost. We have decided to save money and use it for other pressing national issues. It will cost 95 per cent less than the previous cost, and that amounts to about GH¢1.5 million,” he stated.
He noted that previous Independence Day parades cost the nation approximately GH¢20 million.
“Sixty-nine years of nationhood is a very significant achievement,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said, emphasising that the anniversary remains an important national milestone despite the modest scale.
He reflected on Ghana’s progress over the years, highlighting unity and inclusiveness.
“Over the years, we have had our ups and downs as a country, but by and large, we have managed to hold ourselves together. We’ve built a nation that is inclusive, where there is religious and social tolerance,” he said.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu also acknowledged the country’s steady development.
“Even if we’ve had setbacks, we’ve also made incremental progress. Since the advent of this government, a lot has been done to improve the economy. The economy is in much better shape than it was before,” he added.
To mark the 69th anniversary, a parade will be held at the forecourt of the Jubilee House under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
The event is expected to be attended by Ministers of State, members of the diplomatic corps and invited members of the general public.
There will also be a parade by military personnel, with the reviewing officer being the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama.
The Special Guest of Honour will be the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Michael Drew.
Similarly, the 68th Independence anniversary was held at the forecourt of the Jubilee House, moving away from the elaborate parades that once featured hundreds of school children.
