Ghana’s government on Wednesday introduced sweeping legislation in Parliament aimed at reshaping the nation’s holiday calendar to enhance productivity and recalibrate its historical commemorations.

The proposed Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2025, would give the President the authority to shift public holidays that fall midweek—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays—to the nearest Friday or Monday. Officials say the move is designed to minimize workplace disruptions and streamline economic planning across the public and private sectors.

“This change is part of a broader strategy to align national observances with modern productivity goals,” a government spokesperson said.

Among the most notable changes is the proposed reinstatement of Republic Day on July 1 as a statutory public holiday. The date marks Ghana’s transition to a republic in 1960 and had previously been removed in earlier reforms.

In a significant revision to Ghana’s independence narrative, the bill calls for the repeal of August 4 as Founders’ Day, which currently recognizes the collective efforts of Ghana’s independence movement. In its place, September 21 would be restored as Founder’s Day, solely honoring Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s first President and the central figure in its anti-colonial struggle.

The bill also proposes the introduction of a new religious holiday—Shaqq Day, to be observed the day after Eid-ul-Fitr. This would provide Ghana’s Muslim community with additional time for spiritual observance and family gatherings.

The legislation is expected to ignite robust debate, both in Parliament and across Ghanaian society, as it revisits politically sensitive aspects of the country’s national identity and the legacies of its leaders.

Source:TheDotNews