Veteran Ghanaian comedian and media personality, Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, has expressed his disappointment with former President John Dramani Mahama over his decision to scale down Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations.

Speaking on his show, The KSM Show, on February 14, 2025, the celebrated satirist did not mince words as he addressed Mahama directly.

“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, I am upset with you. I am not going to create a lie. I am going to look you straight in the face and tell you why I am upset with you,” KSM stated.

According to him, Mahama has decided that Ghana’s 68th Independence anniversary should be observed on a smaller scale, opting for a modest event at the Flagstaff House with a few individuals being honoured, instead of the usual grand display of military parades, aircraft, and machinery.

“Now everybody is wondering, why is KSM so upset? Let me tell you, folks. Mahama, for some strange reason, has decided that Ghana is turning 68, but for once, he doesn’t want any elaborate Independence Day celebrations. He wants something very small, maybe a little thing at the Flagstaff House and maybe honour a few people,” KSM lamented.

He sarcastically criticized the decision, stating, “Listen, folks, Ghana is 68 years old. How many countries in Africa, after 68 years of independence, can spend 58 million dollars to dig a hole for a swimming pool?” he questioned.


He expressed that he had hoped the former President would use the occasion to announce a revival of the controversial National Cathedral project.

“Mahama, you see why I am upset with you? This is the time to celebrate. I was hoping that you would come on our 68th anniversary and announce that God has moved you to go back and rekindle and build the cathedral for God. That is where salvation will come from,” he added.

As Ghana gears up for its 68th Independence Day Celebration on March 6, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the rotational policy of the Independence Day Celebration as part of efforts to save costs.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, disclosed this at a press conference in Accra.

He stated that, as part of efforts to cut down on expenses, the 68th Independence Day Celebration, themed “Reflect, Review, and Reset,” would be moved from Independence Square to the Presidency in Accra.

He noted that figures on the cost of holding rotational Independence Day Celebrations showed that, depending on the location, the financial implications were significant.

For instance, one of the celebrations held in Ho cost the country a staggering GH¢15 million.

He added that every time the celebration was hosted in a regional capital other than Accra, Ghanaians had to bear such costs.

“I am upset with President John Dramani Mahama”- KSM. pic.twitter.com/zxfsI4kz2V

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) February 16, 2025