Parliament has officially passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing significant changes to Ghana’s national holiday calendar. The move is aimed at creating a more inclusive and historically accurate holiday framework while boosting national productivity.
Key Changes in the Holiday Calendar:
- July 1 is now designated as Republic Day, a statutory public holiday.
- September 21 will be observed as Founder’s Day, honoring Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
- August 4 has been removed from the list of public holidays.
- A new holiday, Shaqq Day, has been added to recognize Ghana’s Muslim community. It will be celebrated the day after Eid ul-Fitr.
The bill, based on a report from the Defence and Interior Committee, seeks to align Ghana’s holidays with a more productive and culturally inclusive national identity.
An important feature of the amendment is a provision allowing the President, through an Executive Instrument, to move midweek public holidays (falling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays) to the following Friday. According to Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, this change is designed to minimize disruptions to the workweek and improve national productivity.
The bill’s passage sparked debate in Parliament, particularly over the designation of September 21 as Founder’s Day. Some MPs questioned the decision to honor only Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, rather than all founding fathers of the nation. The inclusion of Shaqq Day was also discussed, with supporters calling it a fulfillment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign promise to promote inclusivity.
This amendment marks a major shift in Ghana’s approach to national commemorations, aiming to reflect evolving social values while preserving historical legacy.