President John Dramani Mahama has officially suspended the rotational celebration of Ghana’s 6th March Independence Day.
This practice, introduced during the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, was designed to rotate the venue for the national celebrations across different regions of the country.
In a press briefing held at the Presidential Jubilee Lounge, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communication, revealed that President Mahama’s goal is to host a more modest yet meaningful celebration that will resonate with the spirit of Ghana’s independence, while also considering the country’s current economic challenges.
A Call for Fiscal Responsibility
Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the suspension of the rotational celebrations is in line with President Mahama’s drive to minimize unnecessary expenses. He highlighted that the previous celebration in Ho cost the nation an astounding 15 million Ghana cedis.
According to the Minister, the rotational approach incurs additional costs, which are difficult to justify, especially in light of the current economic hardships that have placed significant strain on the nation’s budget.
“The rotational celebration of Independence Day imposes financial burdens that are unsustainable at this time of economic difficulty,” Kwakye Ofosu explained.
“This is a time for Ghana to adopt a more sustainable approach, one that ensures we celebrate our independence with dignity but without the excessive costs.”
A More Streamlined Celebration
This year’s 68th Independence Day celebrations will be a departure from the traditional large-scale events. Gone are the long parades and large contingents of schoolchildren, some of whom have previously fainted due to the extreme conditions. Instead, the event will be scaled back to focus on quality over quantity.
The highlights of the event will include a military guard of honor, cultural performances by two basic schools, a poetry recital from a senior high school student, and, of course, the presidential address to the nation.
In addition to these performances, the event will be graced by the presence of traditional chiefs and key political figures, all contributing to a celebration that is both significant and reflective.
The Theme for 2025: Reflect, Review, Reset
The theme for this year’s Independence Day celebrations, “Reflect, Review, and Reset,” emphasizes the need for introspection and renewal as Ghana moves forward in the face of both challenges and opportunities.
By focusing on a modest yet impactful event, President Mahama hopes to reinvigorate the true spirit of Ghana’s independence, fostering unity and pride in the nation’s achievements while also addressing the fiscal realities of the present.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
