All you need to know about Ghana's 68th Independence Anniversary: cost, contingents, and cutbacks
Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary will be marked on March 6, 2025, in a modest ceremony at the Presidency, departing from the traditional grand celebration at the Black Star Square.
The decision, taken by President John Dramani Mahama, is aimed at reducing costs and prioritising government expenditure amid economic challenges.
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that the policy of rotating the celebrations among regional capitals has been suspended due to its significant cost implications.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Hon. @FelixKwakyeOfo1 gives a sneak preview of what is to be expected for tomorrow's Independence Day Celebrations pic.twitter.com/gUkh4cMqMl
— Information Services Department - Ghana (@ISDGhana) March 5, 2025Advertisement
He also indicated that this year's event will cost approximately 1.5million Ghana cedis.
"These celebrations came with significant costs, which, at the moment, the national purse cannot bear. So President Mahama took a decision a few weeks ago to scale down the celebrations and bring it to the Presidency," he stated.
Highlighting the cost savings, he revealed: "I can reveal to you that the celebrations that will be held here tomorrow will cost a tenth of what it cost to hold this event in Koforidua last year. That event cost 15 million Ghana cedis, but the scaled-down celebration here will cost a fraction of that."
Despite the reduction, he assured that the significance of the day remains intact.
"The Independence Day celebration is one that President Mahama takes very seriously. He believes that it must be celebrated, except that he thinks that it should be done in modesty and in a way that allows us to make savings that we can plough back into other areas of expenditure."
What to expect on March 6
Unlike previous years where over 3,600 personnel and thousands of schoolchildren participated, this year’s celebration will feature a reduced contingent of just over 500 people, including security personnel and schoolchildren.
"In the past, there were 60 contingents made up of 60 men and women each. So you are talking close to 3,600 men and women and thousands of children who marched. Now everything has been scaled down to a little over 500 people," Kwakye Ofosu explained.
The event will include:
- A military guard of honour
- Cultural performances by basic school pupils
- A poetry recital by a senior high school student
- Attendance by chiefs, religious leaders, students, traders, and political party representatives
The programme also includes President Mahama’s ceremonial address, which will highlight the significance of the day.
