The Office of Government Machinery (OGM) has disclosed that GHC21 million was paid to contractors for the renovation of the Black Star Square ahead of the 67th Independence Day Celebration in 2024, however the event was moved to Koforidua in the Eastern Region after the contract had already been awarded.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Chief Director of the Office of Government Machinery, Dr. Abubakar Wayo, explained that the change in venue was based on an executive decision taken after the contract had already been awarded.
His statement follows a question posed by a member of the committee, Edem Agbana.
“it’s true. it was meant for the 67th Independence but later there was change in the programme and it helped all of us because during the January 7, we didn’t need money to renovate that same venue. Yes, the 67th Independence Anniversary was moved to Koforidua after the award of the contract,” he told the Committee.
According to him, although the 67th Independence Day celebration in 2024 was relocated to Koforidua, the money spent for the renovation works was not rendered useless as the renovation works at the Black Star Square prepared the facility for the Presidential Inauguration on January 7, 2025.
“Honourable Chair, it helped the country because for over 5 to 6 years, no Independence Anniversary took place there and it meant that for January 7, 2025 ceremony, we would have needed money to renovate the place,” he added.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo who appeared at the sitting with Dr. Abubakar Wayo also explained that the decision to relocate the venue came in after contract had been awarded already and works were ongoing.
“It was a decision taken by the Presidency at that time so the contract had been awarded, works being executed and then subsequent to that the Presidency at that time took an Executive decision to relocate the commemoration to the Eastern Region.
“It was a decision that was taken at the political level and that is why this occurred.”
