LIFESTYLE

The government has made a significant savings of GH₵ 19 Million after scaling down the 68th Independence Day Celebration, marking another milestone of fiscal prudence under the new administration.

Independence Day Celebration is a mega event on Ghana‘s National Calendar as it marks the day Ghana gained its freedom from colonialism. Over the years, the celebrations have taken various forms, straining the public purse.

Prior to the 68th Anniversary, the status quo was a national celebration in addition to a district and regional level celebrations. The previous administration, in an attempt to bring the national celebration, which used to be held at the Independence Square, closer to the people, decided to rotate the celebration among the various regional capitals.

However, the first Independence Day anniversary under the new government took a different turn. In a drastic decision, President Mahama caused the commemoration to be held at the forecourt of the Presidency instead of the Independence Square or any of the regional capitals.

The President says the decision became necessary considering the current economic difficulties the country has been grappling with in recent years. He says the celebrations over the years have been a major drain on the country’s coffers due to the substantial logistical and infrastructure costs they come along with.

For instance, in 2023, the celebration in Koforidua cost the state GH₵ 15 million, while the 2022 event in Ho also required GH₵13.7 million.

This year’s event, President Mahama in his speech revealed, was estimated to cost the country GH₵ 20 Million. However, by holding a modest ceremony at the forecourt of the President, the state has saved only 95% of the budget representing a savings of GH₵ 19 million.

This means that the entire celebration will only cost the country just GH₵ 1 million.

The President says after workers have already accepted salary adjustments below the rate of inflation, it will be untenable to justify a lavish celebration at such a critical time.

“Unfortunately, this year we are constrained not only to interrupt the celebration’s rotation amongst the regions, but also to hold it on a scaled-down version here at the forecourt of the Presidency instead of the traditional Black Star Square. This is necessary considering the economic crisis our nation is currently experiencing,” he indicated.

He added, “This year, we received estimates of at least 20 million Ghana cedis for holding the event at the Independence Square on the same scale as the previous years. In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice, including workers who have graciously accepted a base pay adjustment far below the rate of inflation, it is unconscionable to spend that kind of money on a few hours of celebration. Today’s event would save us 95% of the estimated cost of the event.”

This is another step taken by the John Mahama-led government towards protecting the public purse. Already, unnecessary travels by government officials have been banned. All necessary travels must be sanctioned by the Chief of Staff, while first class tickets have been banned outrightly.

Many analysts and economists have welcomed the cost-cutting move indicating that as the country continues to navigate its economic challenges, these decisions serve as a testament to the importance of making tough but necessary financial choices for the greater good of the economy.