A Social Interest Advocate, George Opoku Amponsah, wants the government to halt the planned grand celebration of the 66th Independence Anniversary to cut down the country’s expenditure amidst economic challenges.
In a petition to the Presidency, Mr Amponsah entreated President Akufo-Addo to make use of his famous “fellow Ghanaian series” to address the nation on the 6th of March as the nation prepares for the 66th edition instead.
He estimated that the country would be able to save over GHC2 million should the “fellow Ghanaian series” be adopted.
In his projection, he assumed that the 216 MMDAs across the country were each using GHC10, 000 to carry out the upcoming 6th march celebration, which would lead to a total of GHC 2,160,000.00.
Also, the petitioner noted that should 16 regions spend GHC20, 000, can amount of GHC 320 000.00 would have to come from state coffers to cover the cost.
Citing the economic crisis Ghana is facing, he implored the government to show concern about the worsening economic conditions in the country by acting considerately and appropriately.
“I am confident that the Presidency would see reason in my petition and consider same so that we can utilise our state resources prudently since what we are seeing now is a semblance of an economic crisis which does not warrant profligate spending on just a 2-hour march,” Mr. Opoku Amponsah stated.
This year’s Independence Anniversary will be held in the Volta Region.
Already, some works are being done on the Ho Sports Stadium which would host the ceremony. This comes at a time when the government is engaging local investors in order to restructure its debt.
