By Yaw Adomako Baafi
Leadership is not just about managing costs; it is about maximizing opportunities. A great leader must see beyond immediate expenses and recognize long-term benefits that drive national growth, unity, and prosperity. Unfortunately, former President John Mahama’s decision to centralize Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations in Accra reflects a lack of appreciation for the socio-cultural, economic, tourism, and marketing potential that comes with rotating such a significant national event.
By reversing the previous rotational system and justifying it on economic grounds, Mahama not only deprives the regions of vital exposure and opportunities but also demonstrates a limited vision of nation-building—one that was deeply Accra-centric and failed to harness the power of national celebration as a tool for development.
1. The Socio-Cultural Oversight
Independence Day is not just an event; it is a cultural reaffirmation of national identity. Each region of Ghana has its own unique historical significance in the independence struggle, from the Ashanti resistance against colonial rule to the contributions of the Northern regions, Volta, and Western regions in shaping Ghana’s independence movement.
By confining the celebration to Accra, Mahama will fail to give recognition to the diverse cultural and historical contributions of different regions.
In contrast, rotating the event allows each region to showcase its traditions, historical role, and cultural heritage, strengthening national pride and unity.
Example: The 2020 celebration in Kumasi highlighted the Ashanti Kingdom’s role in resisting colonial rule, something that would not have been emphasized if the event had remained in Accra.
2. The Economic & Developmental Blind Spot
Mahama’s justification for reversing the rotation is based on cost-cutting, but this reasoning is short-sighted. A well-planned rotational event is not just an expense—it is an investment in regional economies.
The hosting of Independence Day in different regions stimulates local economies, creating jobs in hospitality, tourism, transportation, and event management.
Example: The 2019 celebration in Tamale saw hotels, restaurants, and local markets experience a boom, injecting millions of cedis into the regional economy.
By keeping the celebration in Accra, Mahama robs other regions of this economic stimulus, reinforcing the existing economic imbalance between the capital and the rest of the country.
3. The Tourism & Marketing Failure
A national celebration is an opportunity to promote Ghana’s tourism potential. Each region has unique attractions that can be showcased to both local and international audiences.
Example: The 2023 celebration in Volta Region brought national attention to the region’s rich cultural heritage, beaches, and mountains, leading to an increase in domestic tourism.
A rotating celebration also serves as free marketing for local businesses, promoting regional tourism and investment opportunities to national and global investors.
Mahama’s Accra-only approach ignores this marketing potential, leaving many of Ghana’s beautiful regions hidden from national and global recognition.
4. Cheap & Negative Propaganda in Mahama’s Decision
Beyond the economic argument, Mahama’s decision is also politically motivated.
He has intentionally framed the rotational system as wasteful spending, using it as a tool for political propaganda rather than an objective national development decision.
His administration has failed to provide any alternative plan to engage the regions, proving that the decision is not just about saving money but about political convenience.
Meanwhile, under his leadership, from 2012 to 2016, there were many questionable expenditures, raising doubts about the sincerity of his cost-saving claims. Few of such dubious expenditures include:
2015-GnanaEmbassy Office Wall at Ouagadougou, bloated from 250,000 to 640,000 dollars.
2016-John Mahama built Circle Interchange at 274million dollars as against Akufo-Addo’s relatively larger Pokuase interchange at 55 million dollars, and several of such dubious and shoddy deals.
By contrast, Akufo-Addo’s approach was not just about celebrations—it was about regional empowerment, inclusivity, and decentralization.
Justifying Akufo-Addo’s decision to rotate Ghana’s Independence Day Celebrations Across Regions
President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to rotate Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations across the various regions was a direct reversal of Mahama’s Accra-centric policy. While Mahama prioritizes short-term cost-cutting, Akufo-Addo recognized the broader national benefits of inclusivity, economic stimulation, and regional empowerment. Below are the key justifications for Akufo-Addo’s rotational policy:
1. National Unity & Equal Representation
Ghana’s independence is a national event, not an Accra-exclusive celebration. Rotating the celebration fosters a greater sense of national belonging for all regions.
Many regions felt sidelined when major national events were always held in the capital, reinforcing perceptions of Accra-centric governance.
Example: The 2020 Independence Day celebration in Kumasi reinforced Ashanti pride in national unity and history.
2. Strengthening Regional Development & Visibility
Holding the celebrations in different regions brings national attention to local cultures, history, and development needs.
It provides a platform for showcasing local tourism, culture, and potential investment opportunities.
Example: The 2023 event in the Volta Region highlighted the region’s cultural richness and economic opportunities.
3. Economic Boost for Host Regions
Each region that hosts the event experiences a surge in economic activities, including hotels, transport, food, and local businesses.
The influx of government officials, dignitaries, and media creates temporary jobs and stimulates commerce.
Example: The 2019 celebration in Tamale saw increased economic activity, benefiting local businesses.
4. Civic Engagement & National Pride
When the celebration is rotated, citizens in different regions feel more connected to the independence legacy.
It encourages patriotism, as citizens see their regions playing a central role in national history.
Example: In 2020, students and youth in the Northern Region actively participated, strengthening national identity.
5. Showcasing Ghana’s Decentralization Agenda
Akufo-Addo’s government promoted decentralization, and moving the celebrations beyond Accra was a symbolic commitment to this policy.
It demonstrated that governance and national pride are not limited to the capital but spread across all regions.
Example: The One-District, One-Factory (1D1F) policy aligned with this broader push for regional empowerment.
6. Infrastructure Development in Host Regions
Each time a region is selected, new infrastructure, roads, and facilities are developed or improved to accommodate the event.
These upgrades have long-term benefits for the host region.
Example: Ahead of the 2019 Tamale event, road networks and public spaces were upgraded.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
Mahama’s failure to recognize the broader benefits of rotating Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations cost the country regional economic opportunities, tourism growth, and national unity. While economic considerations are valid, they should not come at the expense of national development and inclusivity.
Akufo-Addo’s decision to rotate the celebrations was a visionary step that balanced economic concerns with regional engagement and long-term national interest. Moving forward, a structured budget plan can ensure that while costs are managed, regional inclusivity remains a priority, making Ghana’s Independence Day a true national celebration—not just an Accra affair.
