GHc20m Price Tag For Independence Day Celebration ‘Unconscionable’ – Mahama
Mahama Scales Down Independence Day Celebration
- President John Dramani Mahama has defended the decision to scale down Ghana's 68th Independence Day celebration
- He said that spending GH₵20 million on the celebration would have been "unconscionable"
- In contrast, this year's scaled-down event is expected to save the government 95%
President John Dramani Mahama has defended the decision to scale down Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration, citing the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
He emphasized that spending GH₵20 million on the celebration would have been “unconscionable” given the current economic challenges.
Mahama stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility and prudent resource management, highlighting that large-scale celebrations come with significant security and infrastructure costs that strain the national budget.
By reducing the scale of the celebration, the government aims to demonstrate its commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient use of limited resources.
Ghana is currently navigating severe economic challenges, including high inflation and a significant fiscal deficit.
The country’s economic growth has been impacted by external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Mahama noted that the state spent GH₵15 million on last year’s celebration in Koforidua and GH₵13.7 million the previous year in Ho, Volta Region.
In contrast, this year’s scaled-down event is expected to save the government 95% of the estimated cost.
The decision to scale down the celebration reflects the government’s efforts to prioritize prudent financial management and fiscal discipline, which are critical for Ghana’s economic recovery.
