The Presidency has officially unveiled the logo for Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration, which will be marked under the theme “Reflect, Review, Reset.”

This year’s national event, set for March 6, will see a significant departure from tradition, as festivities will be relocated from Independence Square to the forecourt of the Presidency in Accra.

At a press briefing, Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the rotational hosting policy of the celebration. This move, he explained, forms part of broader efforts to cut costs.

“Now, this has become necessary, once again, because of the need to scale back on the escalating cost,” Mr. Ofosu stated.

In line with the cost-cutting measures, the event will feature a more modest program. Activities will include a Military Guard of Honour, reviewed by the President, and cultural performances by two groups of basic school pupils, alongside a poetry recital from a senior high school student.

The scaled-down ceremony will be attended by chiefs, religious leaders, students from various educational levels, traders, political party representatives, and other sections of society. President Mahama will also deliver a ceremonial address to highlight the significance of Ghana’s independence journey.

Mr. Ofosu further revealed that all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country would host similarly subdued celebrations, following a directive from the Presidency.

Despite the downsized nature of this year’s event, two significant activities remain on the national calendar: the commemoration of the historic 28th February Christianborg Crossroads Shooting Incident and the President’s Special Awards for Children.

The national program will also feature a Guard of Honour by security agencies, complemented by cultural displays and artistic recitals to mark the occasion.