President John Mahama has announced plans to designate July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, adding a new dimension to the country’s calendar of significant national observances.

The announcement came during Mahama’s Thank You Tour of the Western Region on February 5, where he revealed that in addition to restoring the day’s public holiday status, it would now be marked as a day for national reflection and gratitude.

“July 1 will be observed as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, allowing Ghanaians to reflect on and express appreciation for the country’s progress,” Mahama told an audience of chiefs, residents, and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He further emphasized the importance of prayer, referencing the Holy Book’s directive to “give thanks in all things.”

July 1 previously commemorated Ghana’s transition to a republic in 1960, a holiday that was discontinued during President Akufo-Addo’s administration. The day, which also doubles as Senior Citizens Day, was initially part of Ghana’s official public holiday calendar until it was removed.

To formalize the change, Mahama confirmed that amendments to the Public Holidays Act would soon be introduced in Parliament. “We will soon present to Parliament amendments to the Public Holidays Act in order to restore July 1 as a holiday,” he said.

Source:TheDotNews