A total of GH¢21 million was paid to contractors for the renovation of the Black Star Square ahead of Ghana’s 67th Independence Day celebration in 2024, despite the event later being relocated to Koforidua in the Eastern Region.
This was disclosed by the Chief Director of the Office of Government Machinery (OGM), Dr. Abubakar Wayo, when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Responding to a question from Committee member Edem Agbana, Dr. Wayo confirmed that the contract had already been awarded before the decision was taken to move the celebration.
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“It’s true. It was meant for the 67th Independence, but later there was a change in the programme… Yes, the 67th Independence Anniversary was moved to Koforidua after the award of the contract,” he told the Committee.
Dr. Wayo, however, maintained that the expenditure was not wasted, explaining that the renovation works ultimately prepared the Black Star Square for the Presidential Inauguration held on January 7, 2025.
“Honourable Chair, it helped the country because for over 5 to 6 years, no Independence Anniversary took place there, and it meant that for the January 7, 2025, ceremony, we would have needed money to renovate the place,” he stated.
Also appearing before the Committee, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo clarified that the relocation decision was taken at the highest political level after work had already commenced.
“It was a decision taken by the Presidency at that time… the contract had been awarded, works being executed, and then after that the Presidency… took an Executive decision to relocate the commemoration to the Eastern Region,” she explained.
She added, “It was a decision that was taken at the political level, and that is why this occurred.”
The issue forms part of ongoing scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee into government expenditure and procurement decisions as captured by the Auditor-General in his 2024 report, particularly those linked to national events.
The development raises further questions about planning, coordination, and value for money in the execution of state-funded projects.