The then Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government spent GH¢21 million renovating Black Star Square ahead of the 67th Independence Day celebration, even though the venue was changed, the Office of Government Machinery has revealed.

During an engagement with the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, March 31, the Chief Director of the Office of Government Machinery, Abubakar Wayo, disclosed that “…Although the initial plan was for the Independence Day celebration to be held there, the decision was later changed. I do not think we had the authority to halt the project simply because the contract specified the venue for the 67th Independence anniversary. We were directed by a higher authority to proceed”.

This revelation has sparked debate on accountability and transparency in government spending. Ghana held its 67th Independence Day anniversary in Koforidua with a grand parade.

The event, themed "Our Democracy, Our Pride," is set to highlight democratic values and foster peace, especially in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 general elections.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of maintaining and cherishing democratic principles.

The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

The parade was a spectacle with 21 contingents from various security agencies, representatives from 11 schools, and diverse traditional groups, all joining forces to made the event a memorable one.

Meanwhile, on Friday, March 6, Ghana turned sixty-nine (69) years since it gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957.

To commemorate the day, the government declared it a statutory holiday. As part of the celebration, scores of Ghanaians gathered at the forecourt of Jubilee House, the seat of government in Accra.

Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations feature national parades, ceremonial events, and reflections on the country’s democratic journey and socio-economic progress. This year’s theme is Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.

Ghana marked its 68th Independence Day on March 6, 2025, with a scaled-down national celebration in Accra, at the forecourt of the Presidency, instead of the usual Independence Square.

This decision was part of the government’s efforts to reduce costs while still honouring the country’s historic milestone.The 2025 theme, “Reflect, Review, Reset,” underscored the need for national introspection as Ghana navigates its current socio-economic landscape. The Presidency also unveiled an official logo for the occasion, symbolising the country’s resilience and aspirations for the future.

Unlike previous years, the government suspended the rotational hosting of the national event. This decision was announced by Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

Despite the scaled-down nature of the event, key elements of the Independence Day tradition were maintained. The President inspected a Military Guard of Honour, followed by cultural performances by two groups of basic school pupils and a poetry recital from a senior high school student.

Ten schools; six basic schools and four senior high schools, including Accra Wesley Girls and St. Mary’s SHS Cadet, participated in the march past.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included traditional rulers, religious leaders, students, political party representatives, and members of the business community.

President John Dramani Mahama delivered a ceremonial speech highlighting the significance of the nation’s independence and its path forward.

Similar celebrations took place across the country at the metropolitan, municipal, and district levels, following directives from the Presidency.

The 68th Independence Day celebration, though more modest in scale, remained a moment for Ghanaians to reflect on their history, assess their progress, and renew their commitment to national development.

As part of the celebration, the President honoured 52 awardees, including 32 students from public schools, 16 from private schools, and four students with hearing and visual impairments for their outstanding performance in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).