Invest in Schools, Not Parades during Independence Day Celebrations: An Open Letter to President John Mahama 

I write to you as a concerned Ghanaian citizen regarding our upcoming Independence Day celebrations on 6th March 2025. First, let me congratulate you once again on your election victory and the renewed hope you bring to our nation. As you assume the reins of leadership, I wish to propose a transformative approach to how we commemorate our independence in 2025 and beyond.

For decades, we have marked Independence Day with elaborate parades across the country. While these ceremonies hold historical significance, they have increasingly become costly rituals yielding little tangible benefit, particularly as Ghana navigates another IMF programme amidst economic challenges.

Our education sector faces urgent challenges that cannot be ignored. Many Free SHS students lack access to quality food and infrastructure. Alarmingly, there are still schools under trees, while the school feeding programme remains in limbo. It is difficult to reconcile these realities with the idea of spending millions on lavish celebrations. Just as it was not prudent to prioritise the construction of a national cathedral during such circumstances, it would be equally unwise to celebrate Independence Day in grand style when these pressing issues remain unresolved.

A Bold Proposal for 2025: Prioritising Education Over Pageantry

Rather than funding ceremonial parades, I propose redirecting these resources to address critical needs in our education sector – the foundation of the freedom our forebears fought to achieve. Specifically, I suggest:

1.  Independence Day Model School Initiative

Allocate the parade budget to build new schools or renovate existing ones across Ghana’s 16 regions. This initiative could address the problem of schools under trees and improve educational infrastructure nationwide, serving as a lasting legacy of your administration. Instead of rotational celebrations across the regions as the previous government did, cut sod for four model schools in 4 regions each year on Independence Day. In the course of your four years in office, you would have completed and commissioned 16 schools. If the budget is not enough, you can consider crowdfunding. A lot of people have goodwill towards your new government and I am certain they will support it wholeheartedly.

   2.    Enhancing Historical Education and Cultural Awareness

Dedicate March 6th to meaningful historical education by:

•  Commissioning comprehensive documentaries to preserve our independence story. Over 60 years of independence we have not successfully produced our independence story comprehensively into a movie. Isn’t it pathetic?
•  Organising family-friendly historical exhibitions and educational programmes.
•  Supporting local communities in hosting cultural events that celebrate our heritage and independence.

  3. A Dignified National Celebration

Replace the traditional parade with a televised presidential address. This approach would allow all Ghanaians to participate from the comfort of their homes, ensuring the solemnity of the occasion is preserved while avoiding unnecessary expenditures.

A Vision for the Future

As a parent of a three-year-old daughter who proudly recognises our national flag and sings along to E.T. Mensah’s “Ghana, Land of Freedom”, I envision an Independence Day that builds our nation’s future rather than merely reenacting its past. True independence lies not in ceremonial marches but in creating tangible opportunities for the next generation.

Our current economic climate demands fiscal prudence. By redirecting parade funds towards improving food quality and infrastructure for Free SHS students, revitalising the school feeding programme, and eliminating schools under trees, we demonstrate responsible leadership and reaffirm our commitment to meaningful development. This approach honours the independence struggle and aligns with Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of pan-Africanism through education and empowerment.

The essence of March 6th – celebrating our freedom and unity – would not be diminished. Instead, it would be amplified by investing in solutions that strengthen our education system and empower our youth. Let us mark this new chapter in Ghana’s story with wisdom and foresight.

I trust you will consider this proposal as you lead our beloved nation into a brighter future.

Yours faithfully,

Wisdom Matey Tetteh

A concerned citizen and parent