Independence Day budget cut by 90% – Kwakye Ofosu

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced that this year’s 68th Independence Day celebrations will cost only a tenth of the amount spent last year.

The scaled-down event, set to take place at Jubilee House on March 6, reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence while preserving the significance of the occasion.

Speaking on preparations, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the event has been significantly streamlined to reduce costs.

“In the past, there were 60 contingents made up of 60 men and women each. So we are talking close to 3,600 men and women and thousands of children who march.

“Now, everything has been scaled down to a little over 500 people. That includes both security personnel and schoolchildren who will be performing. This is to ensure that we do not incur the kind of costs we did in the past.

“I can reveal to you that the celebrations to be held here on Thursday will cost a tenth of what it took to host this event in Koforidua last year. That event cost GH₵15 million. What will be held here tomorrow will cost a tenth of that,” he stated.

Kwakye Ofosu further clarified that reducing the scale of the event does not diminish its importance.

“The scaled-down events in no way undermine the significance of the day. The Independence Day celebration is one that President Mahama takes very seriously. He believes it must be celebrated, but in a manner that allows us to make savings that can be redirected into other areas of expenditure,” he stated.