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The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed that Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebration will cost approximately GH¢1.5 million.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on March 5, Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the scaled-down event forms part of government efforts to reduce public spending while still commemorating the country’s independence.
According to him, the new cost represents a significant reduction compared to previous celebrations.
“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 said.
He noted that earlier Independence Day celebrations cost the nation about GH¢20 million.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu described Ghana’s 69 years of nationhood as an important milestone, stressing that the anniversary remains significant even though this year’s celebration is more modest.
“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 stated.
He also pointed to what he described as steady progress in the country’s 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.
The 69th Independence Day parade will take place at the forecourt of the Jubilee House under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
The event will be attended by ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps and invited members of the public. A military parade will also be held, with President John Dramani Mahama serving as the reviewing officer.
The Special Guest of Honour for the celebration will be Terrance Michael Drew.
This year’s event continues the shift away from the large-scale national parades that previously involved hundreds of school children across the country.
