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The Minister for Communications, Sam George, has announced a special Independence Day data bundle introduced under the directive of President John Mahama in collaboration with the country’s three major telecom providers.

MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana have agreed to offer a GHS10 bundle that provides 6GB of data—significantly higher than the usual 1GB or 3GB typically available on public holidays for the same price.

The Ningo Prampram MP made the announcement on his Facebook page shortly after Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations at Jubilee House on March 6.

He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to driving digital transformation nationwide.

“This initiative highlights our dedication to building the enablers for a truly digitalized Ghana, offering Ghanaians the vast opportunities of an interconnected world, all from the comfort of their homes,” he stated.

Beyond the special bundle, the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations will unveil both short- and long-term strategies on Friday aimed at further reducing data prices across the country.

The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has planned to petition Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, over alleged derogatory remarks made about the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah.

According to the council, the comment allegedly made by Hon. Murtala Mohammed describing Dr JB Danquah as a traitor and a CIA operative is deemed offensive and unfortunate, given his role in Ghana’s independence struggle. Speaking to Channel One News after pouring libation at JB Danquah’s grave in Kyebi, Kyebi Apapamuhene and warlord of Akyem Abuakwa, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori IV, confirmed that the council will officially present its petition to the Speaker on March 7.

“We are here to show our concern to the Speaker that someone has insulted our beloved JB Danquah despite his contributions to the nation. He doesn’t deserve that. We have poured libation and tomorrow, we will send our petition.” he said. Meanwhile, the youth of Okyeman, who have pledged their support to the traditional council, have demanded a retraction and an unqualified apology from the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.

“We, the youth of Okyeman, are displeased with the comments. We are asking Hon. Murtala Mohammed to retract the derogatory remark and apologize to the people of Akyem Abuakwa, JB Danquah’s family, and the nation as a whole,” They stated.

The Bono Regional branch of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has organized a training workshop for sachet water manufacturers in Sunyani, focusing on hygiene and safety in water production to safeguard public health.

The workshop highlighted the critical role of clean drinking water in preventing diseases and ensuring community well-being.

Speaking after the session, Bono Regional Manager of the GSA, Madam Xaviera Tawiah, referenced recent research indicating that contaminated drinking water remains a major cause of illnesses.

“Water processors must adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards to protect themselves and the communities they serve,” she told Adom News.

Participants expressed appreciation for the training and called for more such initiatives to enhance water production standards in the region.

However, they also raised concerns about challenges such as the rising cost of materials, which has led to discussions about increasing the price of sachet water.

The manufacturers appealed to the government for support in addressing inflation and other financial pressures affecting their operations.

President John Dramani Mahama has defended the decision to scale down Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration, stating that it would have been “unconscionable” to spend GHS20 million amid the nation’s ongoing economic crisis.

Speaking at the 68th Independence Day celebration at the Jubilee House on Thursday, March 6, Mahama stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility and prudent resource management.

“This is necessary considering the economic crisis our nation is currently experiencing. Large-scale celebrations often come with significant security and infrastructure costs, which strain the national budget.

“By reducing the scale of the commitment, we wish to demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of our limited resources,” Mahama stated.

He underscored the need for careful financial management as Ghana navigates severe economic challenges.

Mahama recalled that the state spent GHS15 million on last year’s celebration in Koforidua and GHS13.7 million the previous year in Ho, Volta Region. Estimates for this year’s event at Independence Square suggested it would cost at least GHS20 million if held on the same scale.

“In a year when we are calling on all to sacrifice, including workers who have graciously accepted a base pay adjustment far below the rate of inflation, it is unconscionable to spend that kind of money on a few hours of celebration. Today’s event will save us 95% of the estimated cost of the event,” Mahama added.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the scaled-down 68th Independence Day celebration does not lessen the importance and significance of the occasion.

Addressing the nation at the 68th Independence Day Celebration at the Jubilee House, he emphasised that Ghana’s independence remains the most critical event in the nation’s history, as it set the country on the path to nationhood.

“This scaled-down celebration does not diminish the importance and significance of this occasion in any way. Ghana’s independence is the single most important event in our history as it sets us on the path of nationhood.

“It is even more significant because it lifts the flame of independence in sub-Saharan Africa by inspiring other countries yoked to colonial exploitation to seek independence and self-determination,” Mahama stated.

The decision to scale down the celebration was made in light of the current economic challenges facing the nation.

Despite the reduced scale, the event continues to hold great symbolic value, reminding Ghanaians of the sacrifices made by their forefathers and the enduring spirit of independence that continues to inspire the nation.

President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized that Ghana’s reliance on donor aid and external financial support cannot be overcome through rhetoric alone but requires decisive action.

Speaking at the 68th Independence Day celebration at the Jubilee House on March 6, 2025, President Mahama acknowledged the frequent discussions surrounding the country’s dependence on imports, donor aid, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailouts.

However, he warned that merely repeating these concerns without implementing concrete solutions risks making them a cliché, criticizing the contradiction of advocating for self-reliance while continuing to seek financial assistance.

“Discussions about our independence often highlight our reliance on imports, donor aid, and IMF bailout as signs of continued dependency. This reminder is repeated so often that, while undeniably real, it risks becoming a cliché.

“Yet the entire efficacy of this reminder lies not in just repeating it but in our willingness to take decisive action. Actions that will break the chain of dependency, not just the empty rhetoric of Africa that is beyond aid.

“Proclaiming self-reliance while marching straight but into the hands of the donor agencies, begging bowl in hand, is meaningless,” he stated.

To tackle this issue, Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration is committed to restoring economic stability by implementing policies focused on fiscal discipline and self-sufficiency.

“To break this cycle of spenders and restore our economy, my administration is formulating policies based on fiscal discipline and living within our means,” he stated.