Former Presidential staffer and renowned development economist PV Jantuah Boateng Dadson has commended President John Dramani Mahama for reducing costs associated with Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations.
This strategic decision comes as the country navigates economic challenges, highlighting the need for fiscal responsibility in public events.
Ghana recently marked its 68th Independence Day, with an expenditure of GHC 1.5 million.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, said the event marking the country’s 68th year of independence will be held at Jubilee House on March 6 at a fraction of the previous year’s expense.
“I can reveal that this year’s celebrations will cost a tenth (GHS 1.5m) of what was spent in Koforidua last year,” he said, adding that the 2023 event had cost GHS 15 million ($1.2 million).
PV Jantuah in an interview with Prof SF Gyasi on Bresosem at Abusua965FM, emphasized the importance of finding new ways to achieve results, particularly in the face of economic challenges.
“President Mahama cutting down costs is a very good thing”, he noted, adding that President Mahama’s experience has equipped him to make informed decisions.
“President Mahama has become too experienced to be advised, so what he has brought (cutting down costs) is absolutely a step in the right direction.”
PV Jantuah Dadson suggests that an audit of these expenses would provide valuable insights for future celebrations, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.
He said “Now that we have completed the 68th Independence Day celebration, he(President Mahama) should audit the GHC 1.5 million spent on the event to verify whether we truly needed to spend that amount. This will help us determine if we can spend GHC 1.2 million in the future”.
Dadson emphasizes that true independence is not about traditional displays but about self-reliance and improving living conditions.
“It’s not the school pupils marching in the sun that will identify us as an independent state, but rather how self-reliant we are and how we can improve our lives. This demonstrates that we are an independent state or country”.
He advocates for adapting celebrations to reflect economic realities, suggesting that if financial stability allows, the old format could be maintained, but otherwise, new approaches should be considered.
He noted “During times of hardship, it is appropriate to adapt, and if conditions stabilize, we can consider continuing with the traditional format if we have the financial resources to do so.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Kwadwo Owusu
