President John Dramani Mahama has justified the government's decision to hold a modest 68th Independence Day celebration, stating that it would have been "unconscionable" to spend GHS20 million amid Ghana's ongoing economic crisis.

Speaking at the event held at the Jubilee House on Thursday, March 6, President Mahama emphasised the need for fiscal responsibility and prudent resource management in the face of financial challenges. "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," Mahama said.

He explained that scaling down the event was a demonstration of the government's commitment to responsible spending and the efficient use of public resources.