President John Dramani Mahama has justified the decision to scale down Ghana’s 2025 Independence Day celebrations, revealing that the move saved the country GH?19 million.

Addressing the nation on Thursday, March 6, 2025, during the 68th Independence Day celebrations, President Mahama explained that hosting a full-scale event at Independence Square would have cost at least GH?20 million.

Instead, the scaled-down version held at the forecourt of the Jubilee House cost only a fraction of that amount.

“The state spent GH?15 million on last year’s celebration in Cape Coast and GH?13.7 million the previous year in Ho. This year, estimates indicated that a full-scale event at the Black Star Square would have cost GH?20 million,” he stated.

“In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice including workers who have accepted a base pay adjustment far below inflation, it is unconscionable to spend that amount on a few hours of celebration,” he added.

The President described the decision as part of broader efforts to demonstrate fiscal responsibility amid Ghana’s ongoing economic crisis.

He acknowledged that while Independence Day remains a historic moment in the country’s history, the financial reality demands prudent spending.

“Reducing the scale of the event does not take away its importance. Ghana’s independence remains the most defining moment in our history, setting us on the path of nationhood and inspiring other African nations to seek self-determination,” President Mahama said.

Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations have traditionally been held at the Black Star Square in Accra but, in recent years, have been rotated among the regions.

However, Mahama said this year’s economic difficulties made it necessary to put that arrangement on hold.

The scaled-down event was attended by key government officials, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, as well as foreign dignitaries, including Tanzania’s former President Jakaya Kikwete, who was the special guest.