The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed that Ghana’s 2026 Independence Day celebration will cost approximately GH¢1.5 million, following the government’s decision to organise a scaled-down event.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on Friday, March 5, Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the reduced budget forms part of broader efforts by the government to cut down public expenditure while still commemorating the country’s independence.

“It is to save cost. We have decided to save money and use it for other pressing national issues. It will cost 95 per cent less than the previous cost, and that amounts to about GH¢1.5 million,” he stated.

According to the minister, previous Independence Day celebrations required significantly higher expenditure, with the parade alone costing the state close to GH¢20 million.

Despite the decision to scale down this year’s event, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that Ghana’s 69th anniversary of independence remains a moment of great national significance. “Sixty-nine years of nationhood is a very significant achievement,” he said.

Reflecting on the country’s journey since independence, he highlighted the unity and tolerance that have characterised Ghanaian society.

“Over the years, we have had our ups and downs as a country, but by and large, we have managed to hold ourselves together. We’ve built an inclusive nation, where there is religious and social tolerance,” he said.

He further noted that the country has continued to make gradual progress despite challenges.

“Even if we’ve had setbacks, we’ve also made incremental progress. Since the advent of this government, a lot has been done to improve the economy. The economy is in much better shape than it was before,” he added.

This year’s Independence Day parade, marking the nation’s 69th anniversary, will take place at the forecourt of the Jubilee House under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”