The Ghana@60 anniversary committee has dispelled criticisms that the budget for Ghana’s Diamond Jubilee celebration is excessive, indicating that Ghana’s 59th anniversary parade alone under the Mahama administration cost GHS4million (approximately US$ 890,000).

Mr Lord Commey, who made the revelation on Monday, 13 February, explained that the GHS20m allocated to the celebration by the Akufo-Addo government for this year’s anniversary is for activities spanning the whole year and not for a one-off event.

Mr Commey emphasised that under the leadership of the current president, cost-effective measures were being employed to avoid extravagant expenditure.

In comparison with Ghana’s Golden Jubilee, Mr Commey, who is a member of the committee, said: “10 years ago, what I know is that over US$75m was spent on Ghana@50. Under Nana Akufo Addo’s government, 10 years on, US$4m, so strike the difference and the balance. We have the mandate to be modest and also elegant.”

“When I checked the 59th anniversary celebrations budget of the march past alone at the Independence Square, it was close to GHS4million (approximately US$ 890, 000) and the records are there.”

He explained that many of the activities that will be undertaken during the 60th anniversary are being done by private entities in collaboration with the committee.

“At the end of the exercise, Ghanaians will be proud of it. … Apart from the first phase, the other programmes are private people’s initiatives and what they are asking from the committee is some support, for example the Musicians Union of Ghana, (MUSIGA). If you talk to Obuor and co., this is MUSIGA putting things together and they want to be associated with Ghana@60 and we are giving them the support – they have their own sponsorship,” he revealed.

He stated that the committee would render an account to Ghanaians “because transparency is key, proper accountability is also very key”, adding: “The president has cautioned everybody…we just need support from the Ghanaian people.”