Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has announced significant changes to the country’s 68th Independence Day celebrations, suspending regional rotational events and scaling down national commemorations to reduce government spending.
The decision comes after revelations that the 2024 celebrations in Koforidua cost nearly fifteen million Ghana Cedis (GH¢15,000,000), according to Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
“Rather than a major event at the Independence Square, where there are contingents of men from the various security agencies and hundreds of schoolchildren, there will be a scaled-down commemoration at the forecourt of the Presidency,” Ofosu announced at a press conference.
The revised format eliminates traditional military parades and school marches, focusing instead on three main elements: a Guard of Honour by security agencies, cultural performances and recitals, and the President’s national address.
Key changes include:
- Celebrations limited to national and district levels only
- Suspension of all regional commemorations
- Relocation of main ceremony to the Presidency forecourt
- Elimination of traditional parades and marches
- Directive to Regional Ministers to ensure scaled-down district events
The government will maintain only two additional activities: the commemoration of the 28th February Crossroads Shooting Incident and the President’s Special Awards for Children.
Regional Ministers have been instructed to ensure Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) follow the new guidelines for reduced celebrations in their jurisdictions.
PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMEMORATION
1. There’ll be a scaled-down commemoration of this year’s commemoration at the National & District Levels ONLY.
2. There’ll be no commemoration at the Regional Level.
3. The scaled-down National Celebration will take place at the forecourt of the Presidency.
4. There will be no parade or match past of security agencies and school children during the National Celebration.
5. The Regional Ministers are to ensure that MMDAs scale down the commemoration in their Districts.
6. Other activities approved by the President are the 28th February Crossroads Shooting Incident and the President’s Special Awards for Children.
REVISED ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION
1. Mounting of a Guard of Honour by the Security Agencies
2. Cultural Performances & Recitals
3. National Address by the President and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
