Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has criticised comments made by Paul Adom-Otchere suggesting that the reduction in government spending on Independence Day celebrations is hurting ordinary Ghanaians.

Adom-Otchere, while appearing on Good Morning Ghana on March 9, 2026, argued that scaling down expenditure for the celebrations deprives some citizens of opportunities to earn money and reduces the excitement associated with the national event.

Adom-Otchere slams Mahama government over cut in Independence Day expenditure

“You rename Kotoka International Airport and pay money to who? One contractor. Independence (celebration) is going to thousands of people; you won’t pay. The greatest good is to the greatest number of people. I don’t know how the government is going to sustain a very dull 70th anniversary celebration of Ghana’s independence… Is that what is going to happen? The march bonuses of all the kenkey sellers are gone. The people who make flags, march bonuses, gone,” he said.

Responding to the claim, Pratt said it is misguided to reduce the significance of the national celebration to mere commercial activity.

“Do we celebrate Independence Day to make people money for themselves? We should quit the childishness. Independence Day is celebrated to venerate our forebears who stood for our liberty,” he said.

According to Pratt, Ghana’s Independence Day should focus on honouring the sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders and inspiring citizens to work towards national development.

He added that the day must also serve as a moment for Ghanaians to reflect on their responsibility to uplift the country and give real meaning to independence.

“Independence Day is much more important than just a commercial activity, and I'm worried that some analysts reduce it to that,” he stated.

Pratt further questioned whether the current form of celebrations, particularly parades, truly helps citizens understand Ghana’s history and motivates them to contribute meaningfully to national progress.

“Whether we organise a parade at the Black Star Square or Jubilee House, what does it do to make our people wake up to their history and live up to the demands of that history?” he asked.

The veteran journalist also proposed alternative ways of marking the day, including educational programmes in schools that emphasise Ghana’s history, as well as sporting and cultural activities that promote national unity.

He suggested nationwide sports events across regions and cultural showcases highlighting Ghanaian food and traditions could better foster national integration.

For Pratt, the true measure of Independence Day celebrations should be whether they inspire citizens to take ownership of the country’s resources and work towards national self-reliance.

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“If at the end of the celebration Ghanaians are awakened to the need to own their own resources and exploit these resources for their own benefit, wouldn't that be a step forward?” he added.

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