Celebrating Independence Day At Jubilee House Is ‘Value For Money’ – Atik Hails Mahama
Atik Mohammed has applauded President John Dramani Mahama and his government for holding this year’s Independence Day at the Jubilee House instead of the usual location which is the Independence Square, now called the Black Star Square.
Ghana gained independence from British rule on 6th March, 1957 and has since celebrated this day to remember the toils of the freedom fighters and the country’s successes.
During these times that the nation has celebrated this watershed, it has always been organized at the Black Star Square up until during the regime of Ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who moved it from Region to Region with the aim of enhancing Regional development and economic growth.
At the 68th anniversary of the Independence Day celebrations this year, President John Mahama insisted and held it at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, aimed at cutting down cost and expenditure.
Ghana, according to the President, has saved GH₵19 million which is said to be a 90 percent cut on cost by scaling down its 2025 Independence Day celebrations.
“The State spent GH₵15 million on last year’s celebration in Cape Coast and GH₵13.7 million the previous year in Ho. This year, estimates indicated that a full-scale event at the Black Star Square would have cost GH₵20 million”, he stated.
The President added; “In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice including workers who have accepted a base pay adjustment far below inflation, it is unconscionable to spend that amount on a few hours of celebration,”
“Reducing the scale of the event does not take away its importance. Ghana’s independence remains the most defining moment in our history, setting us on the path of nationhood and inspiring other African nations to seek self-determination.”
Atik Mohammed, a political and economic analyst, in his assessment of this year’s event said; “I like this; this is value for money…In every public investment, what people always should look out for is value for money. So, if we are having the same celebration at a lesser cost, that is something we need to embrace.”
“…trust me, we are going to see more of these austere spendings because we don’t have money and if you are as smart as a government, you would be wise not to engage in ostentation”, he further remarked while speaking on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” show.
Source: Ghmessenger.com
