President John Dramani Mahama

In yet another display of what can only be described as political theatrics, President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to shift Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations from its historic home, the Black Star Square, to the Jubilee House smacks of daylight hypocrisy.

Ghana’s Independence Day, a revered moment in our national history, was first declared at the Black Star Square on March 6, 1957, when Dr. Kwame Nkrumah proudly proclaimed the country’s freedom from colonial rule.

The square has since served as the symbolic heart of our national celebrations, a place where generations of Ghanaians have gathered for so many years to honor the sacrifices of our forebearers.

Yet, President Mahama, in an abrupt break from tradition, has chosen to relocate this solemn occasion to the Jubilee House, the seat of government.

The move is being framed as a cost-cutting measure, but from where I sit, I see it as a calculated political manoeuvre designed to shift focus from his government’s shortcomings.

It is ironic that Mahama, who has accused his predecessor of profligacy, is now implementing a decision that raises more questions than answers.

If the concern is indeed about minimizing expenditure, then why does the government continue to spend extravagantly in other areas, especially the formation of all kinds of committees across government ministries?

The claim that relocating the celebrations to Jubilee House is a necessary step in cutting down costs appears to be more of an excuse than a well-thought-out fiscal strategy.

Independence Day is not just another government function; it is a national event meant to unify the country.

By moving it to the Jubilee House, Mahama is not only dismantling a long-standing tradition but also giving the impression that the commemoration is a partisan event exclusive to those in power.

This move risks alienating sections of the population and politicizing a day that should be about national unity.

The Black Star Square belongs to the people of Ghana. It has hosted military parades, cultural displays, and schoolchildren from all over the country, who take pride in participating in a tradition that transcends political cycles.

To shift the event to Jubilee House—a place associated with the ruling government—diminishes its national character and reduces it to an executive spectacle.

If Mahama’s goal is truly to reduce government spending, then he should demonstrate it through meaningful action, not symbolic gestures that do little to change the economic reality of Ghanaians.

Austerity should begin with reducing wasteful government spending and ensuring fiscal discipline across all sectors of governance.

Anything short of that is mere theatrics aimed at deceiving the public.
Ghanaians deserve honesty and consistency from their leaders.

President Mahama should be reminded that leadership is not about grandstanding or scoring political points through superficial cost-cutting measures.

Instead of dismantling national traditions under the guise of financial prudence, he should focus on implementing policies that genuinely improve the lives of the people he swore to serve.

Theatrics and populism have their limits. If President Mahama wants to be taken seriously in his quest for fiscal responsibility, he must lead by example, not by eroding the traditions that define our national identity.

Spare us the political drama, Mr. President—Ghana’s Independence Day belongs to the Black Star Square.