Govt Focused on Economic Prudence During Independence Celebration

Shamima Muslim, the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, has defended the government’s decision to scale down this year’s Independence Day celebrations, explaining that the move was made with the intention of practicing economic prudence in light of the country’s limited resources.

Her comments came in response to criticism regarding the reduced scale of the celebrations, particularly the exclusion of schoolchildren from the traditional march-past, which has been a hallmark of the event for many years. Some have argued that the scaled-back celebration was less inclusive and deprived children of a meaningful way to participate in the national holiday.

In an exclusive interview with Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, March 6, Shamima Muslim addressed these concerns, suggesting that future celebrations would be designed to be both more inclusive and diverse while remaining cost-conscious and rooted in a sense of patriotism. She acknowledged the need to balance inclusivity with the current economic reality, emphasizing that the government is committed to ensuring that the country’s resources are managed responsibly and efficiently, especially in challenging times.

Shamima Muslim explained that the decision to scale down the celebration this year was driven by the need to be prudent with public funds. She highlighted that the current economic challenges facing the country necessitate such measures. While she acknowledged that the reduction in the scale of the event might not have been ideal for everyone, she stressed that it was an important step toward addressing the country’s fiscal constraints.

The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson suggested that as the government reviews the process further, future celebrations would take into account the importance of being inclusive and offering opportunities for wider participation. However, she also emphasized that the celebrations would need to remain mindful of the nation’s economic situation. “Looking ahead, we will certainly explore ways to ensure that the event is both inclusive and diverse, while still being sensitive to the financial realities of the time,” she said.

She noted that the purpose of scaling back the event was not to diminish its significance, but rather to ensure that it was conducted in a manner that reflects the country’s current fiscal challenges. Shamima Muslim stated that the government has always been mindful of the need to conserve resources, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, and that this approach would continue to guide future decisions about national events.

“The reason for scaling down this year’s Independence Day celebrations is rooted in the fact that we are in a time of economic uncertainty,” she explained. “In such times, it is crucial that we manage our resources carefully. The decision to limit the celebration this year was made with prudence in mind, ensuring that public funds are used in the most responsible way possible.”

Shamima Muslim also emphasized that the government’s commitment to celebrating the country’s independence in a meaningful way remains unchanged. Despite the scaled-back event, she reassured the public that the government’s focus on patriotism and national pride would not be compromised. She said that the move to reduce the scale of the event was a necessary step in addressing the country’s economic challenges, and that it was not intended to diminish the importance of the day.

Looking to the future, Shamima Muslim expressed confidence that future celebrations would offer more opportunities for participation while still adhering to the principles of cost sensitivity and national pride. She said, “We understand the importance of making sure that Independence Day is a celebration that all Ghanaians can feel part of, and we will strive to ensure that future events are more inclusive and representative of the diverse nature of our nation.”

In conclusion, Shamima Muslim urged Ghanaians to understand the context behind the scaled-down celebration, explaining that it was not a decision made lightly but one that was necessary given the current economic conditions. She reiterated that the government remains committed to celebrating Ghana’s independence in a way that reflects both the nation’s pride and its responsibility to manage resources wisely.

Tags: Ghana, Independence Day celebration, Shamima Muslim, Ghana News