The federal government’s resolution for the cancellation of ‘grand observance’ of Ghana’s independence anniversary celebration has attracted varied feedback from the general public.
Minister of State accountable for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, advised journalists in Accra, on Wednesday, that the initiative was to avoid wasting the State the fee related to the grand celebration over time.
He stated as a substitute, a modest occasion can be held on the Jubilee Home, in Accra, the nation’s capital, to commemorate the anniversary, which shall be replicated on the regional and district ranges.
Certainly, a bit of the Ghanaian public has hailed the transfer as a optimistic method of reducing authorities expenditure, and placing nation’s scarce sources into higher use.
Nonetheless, others are frightened that it could take away the unity and patriotism that the memorial occasion instil within the individuals, particularly the youth.
In instances previous, the Independence Day celebration was marked on the regional and district ranges with the grand nationwide celebration on the Independence Sq., however this was made a rotational regional capital affair by the earlier authorities.
With the brand new directive by the federal government, the nationwide occasion can be marked in a modest method on the Jubilee Home, the seat of presidency.
One Erasmus Ankrah resident in Accra stated the choice of the federal government was simply to attain low-cost political factors.
“The Independence Day celebration was beforehand achieved on a regional foundation. Some areas have benefited and others are but to profit. What occurs to the areas that are but to profit?,” he queried.
In the identical vein, a scholar of the Tindamba Junior Excessive Faculty, Miss Jihad Mariam, advised The Ghanaian Occasions that she was disappointed and that the federal government resolution was a missed alternative for the areas to showcase the nation’s wealthy tradition variety.
“I’m saddened by the cancellation. Independence Day is a special occasion for us and the grand celebration is at all times one thing to look ahead to. I at all times really feel joyful and proud watching the grand celebration on the tv,” she stated.
Nonetheless, some residents within the Ho metropolis counseled President John Dramani Mahama for the cancellation of the grand programme as a result of it was within the common curiosity of Ghanaians.
In keeping with them, though the nationwide celebration within the areas promoted unity and peace amongst Ghanaians, it introduced an excessive amount of value to the nation, which is presently dealing with financial difficulties.
A civil servant, Ms Sitsofe Ahiagbede, stated the federal government’s resolution to not have a good time the nationwide Independence Day within the areas was in step with the mandate of the President to take the perfect resolution that might be within the curiosity of the nation.
A dealer, Mr Foster Agbenyo, stated he was impressed with the choice of the government to cancel the grand method through which the Independence Day celebration was achieved, indicating that “resetting the nation should begin from programmes which drain the nationwide coffers.”
Mr Agbenyo stated for Ghana to witness a outstanding growth, the nation wanted a disciplined, selfless, and self-motivated chief who wouldn’t have interaction within the “business-as-usual” angle to rule with out contemplating the wellbeing of the residents.
Some academics who pleaded anonymity stated because the resolution of the federal government to cancel the nationwide celebration within the areas was to avoid wasting the tax payers’ cash, the decision was laudable.
In Accra, CYNTHIA ASAMPANA studies from Circle {that a} driver, Yaw Akrofi, stated the celebration of the Independence anniversary within the regional capitals on rotational foundation helped to construct the native economies.
He stated throughout the celebration the native economies had been revived as merchants, together with meals distributors; printers and drivers cashed in on the event and made elevated takings.
“I feel the choice by the President is dangerous and never of nationwide curiosity,” Mr Akrofi said.
From Tema, KEN AFEDZI studies that among the residents The Ghanaian Occasions interviewed stated the cancellation of the grand Independence Day celebration was a demonstration of fiscal self-discipline and a strategic effort to streamline public spending.
The Spokesperson for the Tema Traditional Council (TTC), Nii Armah Somponu II, stated the measures by the President to cut back authorities expenditure amid present precarious financial scenario of the nation was apt.
“Since he assumed workplace, I feel he has been a bit cautious about our mode of spending, so if our monetary standing as a rustic doesn’t help this stuff, I feel he’s saving cash, so let’s give him the advantage of the doubt,” he stated.
A 64-year-old retired Senior Excessive Faculty (SHS) trainer, Mr Cephas Nkansah, opined that the price range to assemble academics, students and all stakeholders for the celebration could possibly be redirected to important sectors reminiscent of schooling, well being and infrastructure.
A mother or father, Linus Kofi Sarpong-Poku, for his half, lauded the directive and expressed the hope for a sustained fiscal accountability, which he stated would assist the federal government’s growth agenda.
From Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti Area, KINGSLEY E.HOPE studies that Ms Evelyn Osei-Wusu, a science trainer on the Sunyani Senior Excessive Faculty, expressed appreciation for the federal government’s effort to avoid wasting value, particularly contemplating the present exhausting financial scenario.
She cited the celebration held within the Volta Regional capital, Ho, in 2023 which value the taxpayer a staggering GH¢15 million and stated lowering value have to be hailed.
Nana Kwame Manu, a businessman, additionally counseled the federal government for cutting down the celebrations to keep away from “pointless spending”.
From Wa, RAFIA ABDUL RAZAK studies {that a} mother or father, Mr Baba Mahamudu, stated the federal government’s resolution was a clever transfer as it could go a protracted option to save money and use it for extra essential points.
“We have to prioritise our spending, particularly throughout these difficult financial instances, there are extra urgent points that want consideration, which embody our well being sector,” he stated.
A trainer on the Wa Mannequin Major Faculty, Mr Abdul Rashid Abudu, stated the modest celebration was a chance to give attention to the true that means of Independence Day.
“I’m glad the federal government is cutting down the celebration, it’s not in regards to the fanfare however about reflecting on our nation’s historical past and progress. We’ve got extra pressing points that want funding; the funds allotted for these celebration can be utilized to deal with our roads issues,” he stated.
He famous that the grand celebration was not obligatory because it was only a waste of sources, stressing that the federal government might use the allotted funds to spend money on the schooling and well being sectors.
BY TIMES REPORTERS
