Gov't Spent GH¢21m on Black Star Square Renovation for 67th Independence in 2024, But Relocated Event to Koforidua - Office of Gov't Machinery

GHC21 Million Renovation for Black Star Square Benefited Presidential Inauguration After Independence Venue Change

The Office of Government Machinery has disclosed that GHC21 million was paid to contractors for the renovation of Black Star Square in preparation for the 67th Independence Day celebration in 2024. However, the event was later relocated to Koforidua in the Eastern Region after the contract had already been awarded.

The revelation was made during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by Dr. Abubakar Wayo, Chief Director of the Office of Government Machinery. Dr. Wayo explained that the change in venue was the result of an executive decision taken after the contract had been initiated.

Responding to a question from PAC member Edem Agbana, Dr. Wayo stated:

“It’s true. It was meant for the 67th Independence, but later there was a change in the programme. It helped all of us because during the January 7, we didn’t need money to renovate that same venue. Yes, the 67th Independence Anniversary was moved to Koforidua after the award of the contract.”

He added that although the Independence Day celebration was relocated, the funds were not wasted. The renovation works at Black Star Square ensured that the venue was ready for the Presidential Inauguration on January 7, 2025, saving the government additional costs.

“Honourable Chair, it helped the country because for over five to six years, no Independence Anniversary took place there, and it meant that for January 7, 2025 ceremony, we would have needed money to renovate the place,” he said.

Also present at the PAC session, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo explained that the decision to relocate the venue came after the contract had been awarded and works were already ongoing.

“It was a decision taken by the Presidency at that time, so the contract had been awarded, works being executed, and then subsequently the Presidency took an Executive decision to relocate the commemoration to the Eastern Region. It was a decision taken at the political level, and that is why this occurred,” she noted.

The disclosure clarifies how the substantial renovation expenditure, initially meant for the Independence Day celebrations, contributed to preparing Black Star Square for other national events, particularly the Presidential Inauguration.