The national parade of the 68th Independence Day for the Republic of Ghana is being carried out at the seat of government, the Jubilee House.
The event has been scaled-down by the government to streamline it to reduce cost.
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has earlier indicated that the cost for this year’s event has seen 90% cut of the amount spent last year.
“In the past, there were 60 contingents made up of 60 men and women each. So we are talking close to 3,600 men and women and thousands of children who march.
“Now, everything has been scaled down to a little over 500 people. That includes both security personnel and schoolchildren who will be performing. This is to ensure that we do not incur the kind of costs we did in the past.
“I can reveal to you that the celebrations to be held here on Thursday will cost a tenth of what it took to host this event in Koforidua last year. That event cost GH₵15 million. What will be held here tomorrow will cost a tenth of that,” he stated whilst speaking on preparations ahead of the event.
He explained that the streamlined celebration to reduce the cost does not in any reduces the significance of the celebration, expressing how serious President Mahama takes the Independence Day celebration.
“The scaled-down events in no way undermine the significance of the day. The Independence Day celebration is one that President Mahama takes very seriously. He believes it must be celebrated, but in a manner that allows us to make savings that can be redirected into other areas of expenditure,” he clarified.
