Independence Day Anniversary: 95% of 20m budget saved – Mahama

President John Mahama has disclosed that this year’s 68th Independence Day anniversary was marked with significant budget savings compared to previous celebrations.

He explained that a budget of GHC 20 million had initially been proposed for the event if it were to take place at the traditional venue, Independence Square in Accra.

However, due to the ongoing economic challenges, the decision was made to scale down the event and hold it at the Jubilee House, resulting in an impressive 95% reduction in the projected budget.

“The State spent GHC 15 million on last year’s celebration in Koforidua and GHC 13.7 million for the event two years ago in Ho, in the Volta Region. This year, we were given an estimate of at least GHC 20 million for an event at Independence Square, similar to past years. But in a year when we are urging everyone to make sacrifices,” he remarked.

“Today’s celebration has saved us 95% of the estimated cost,” he added.

This year, the government spent just GHC 2 million on the event, a sharp contrast to the combined GHC 28.5 million spent on the past two Independence Day celebrations in Koforidua and Ho.

Mahama further stressed that the country’s fiscal constraints have led the government to prioritize efficient resource management, ensuring the event was celebrated with national pride while adhering to fiscal responsibility.