The Jubilee House has hosted 2 Independence Day celebrations
Since 1957, Independence Day celebrations in the country have been marked by well-rehearsed and coordinated parades by school pupils, security agencies and other groups reflecting Ghana’s unity and pride.
While the main event is held at the Independence Square or various Regional Capitals on a rotational basis, there have been two notable instances when the celebrations were held at the seat of the government, Jubilee House.
Here we take a look at the two times; this historic celebration has held at the Jubilee House.
March 6, 2021
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the celebrations were marked with a colour but scaled down activities in line with the pandemic protocols.
The ceremony was held at the seat of government, but the usual march by school pupils and organisations was missing.
However, there was a parade by a contingent from the Ghana Armed Forces. The decision by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who was president at the time reflected the need for a controlled and safe environment while still marking the day.
March 6, 2025
This year’s celebrations were also held at the Jubilee House. The Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, providing an update for the preparations for the national celebrations announced that the move to hold the event at the Jubilee House was to reduce costs.
“In the past, there were 60 contingents made up of 60 men and women each, amounting to nearly 3,600 participants, along with thousands of children who took part in the parade. However, everything has now been scaled down to just over 500 people, including security personnel and schoolchildren who will be performing,” he explained.
He further disclosed that last year’s event in Koforidua cost the previous administration GH₵15 million, noting that this year’s scaled-down celebration will cost only a tenth of that amount.
Consequently, the traditional march-past of school pupils was absent, however there was a parade by the security agencies and performances by school pupils
Speaking at the 68th Independence Day celebration, President John Dramani Mahama, stressed the need for fiscal responsibility.
According to him estimates for this year’s event at the Independence Square would have cost the state at least GH¢20 million.
“This is necessary considering the economic crisis our nation is currently experiencing. Large-scale celebrations often come with significant security and infrastructure costs, which strain the national budget.
“By reducing the scale of the commitment, we wish to demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of our limited resources,” Mahama stated.
He gave the assurance that the scaled-down celebrations do not lessen the importance of the ceremony.
“This scaled-down celebration does not diminish the importance and significance of this occasion in any way. Ghana’s independence is the single most important event in our history as it sets us on the path of nationhood.
“It is even more significant because it lifts the flame of independence in sub-Saharan Africa by inspiring other countries yoked to colonial exploitation to seek independence and self-determination,” he stated.
Despite the reduced scale, these two events continue to hold great value as it reminds Ghanaians about the sacrifices their forefathers made to attain independence.
JKB/WLB
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