Ghana’s Parliament has approved major revisions to the national holiday calendar by passing the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The new law restores July 1 as Republic Day marking Ghana’s transition to a republic in 1960 and September 21 as Founder’s Day, in honour of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
A new public holiday has also been introduced for the Muslim community, to be observed the day after Eid-ul-Fitr, allowing for extended celebration and reflection.
Significantly, the Founders’ Day holiday observed on August 4 has been abolished, with Parliament reinstating September 21 as the day to commemorate Ghana’s founding leader.
The bill further empowers the President to shift any public holiday that falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to the preceding Friday or following Monday. This move is aimed at boosting productivity by creating long weekends and minimizing midweek disruptions.
Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak said the amendments are meant to promote inclusivity, ensure historical accuracy, and enhance economic productivity.
The bill was passed under a certificate of urgency, a move that drew criticism from minority MPs, who argued that Parliament should focus on more pressing national issues.
