Questions Raised Over GH¢21m Spent on Black Star Square for 67th Independence Day Celebration
- The Office of Government Machinery has disclosed that GH¢21 million was spent on renovating Black Star Square ahead of Ghana’s 67th Independence Day celebration
- Officials explained that the renovation contract had already been awarded before the decision was taken, making it impossible to halt the project midway
- Since 2025, Independence Day celebrations have instead been held at the forecourt of Jubilee House as part of government efforts to reduce public expenditure
The Office of Government Machinery has stated how much was spent to renovate the Black Star Square, otherwise known as Independence Square, ahead of Ghana's 67th Independence Day celebration, held in 2024.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Chief Director of the Office of Government Machinery, Abubakar Wayo, said GH¢21 million was spent on the renovation of the Black Star Square.
Source: Getty Images
He further explained that the decision to change the venue of the 2024 Independence Day celebration was made after the renovation contract for the Black Star Square had already been awarded. As a result, he said the project could not be halted midway.
In a report by GhanaWeb, Wayo added that the focus of the renovation changed, with the facility being prepared for the presidential inauguration.
“Although the initial plan was for the Independence Day celebration to be held there, the decision was later changed,” he said.
“I do not think we had the authority to halt the project simply because the contract specified the venue for the 67th Independence Anniversary. We were directed by a higher authority to proceed,” he stated.
This revelation has sparked conversations on social media, with many Ghanaians raising questions over the government's decision to spend GH¢21 million on renovating the Black Star Square ahead of the 67th Independence Day celebration.
Gov't celebrates Ghana's Independence Day Jubilee House
Black Star Square, completed in 1961, has traditionally hosted Independence Day parades. Over the decades, it has served as the principal venue for civic and military displays, including marches by schoolchildren and security personnel.
However, since 2025, Ghana's Independence Day anniversaries have been held at the forecourt of the Jubilee House, with the 68th anniversary being the first to be held there.
According to the new government, led by President John Mahama, the decision to hold the celebrations at the Jubilee House is part of efforts to reduce public expenditure.
For the 68th Independence Day celebration, the government said the event cost GH¢1.5 million, compared to an estimated GH¢15 million had it been organised at the Black Star Square.
How was the 68th independence celebration held?
The scaled-down commemoration of this 2025 independence celeration was only held at national and district levels.
There was no parade or match past of security agencies and school children during the National Celebration.
The Regional Ministers were to ensure that districts scaled down the commemoration in their Districts.
Other activities approved by the President for the celebration were the commeranation of the 28th February Crossroads Shooting Incident and the President’s Special Awards for Children.
The theme for the celebration was 'Reflect, Review, and Reset'.
The government said that theme aligned with the general sentiment of the country and the government's push for a reset.
Source: UGC
King Charles celebrates Ghana's 69th Independence Day
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that King Charles III had congratulated Ghana on its 69th Independence Anniversary, extending warm wishes to President John Mahama and the people of Ghana.
He praised the longstanding ties between the United Kingdom and Ghana, highlighting historical links.
The monarch also emphasised unity within the Commonwealth and expressed optimism about future cooperation.
Source: YEN.com.gh
