Accra: The government has introduced a new bill to Parliament seeking to amend the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act. The proposed legislation, titled the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to restore key historical observances and expand recognition of religious holidays.
According to Ghana News Agency, the new bill proposes the reinstatement of July 1 as Republic Day, marking Ghana's transition to a republic in 1960, thereby returning it as a statutory public holiday. Additionally, the introduction of Shaqq Day is planned, providing a new holiday observed the day after Eid-ul-Fitr, allowing Muslims an extra day for reflection and family gatherings.
The bill also proposes the repeal of August 4 as Founders' Day, with September 21 being restored as Founder's Day to exclusively recognize Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's contributions. Moreover, it grants the President the authority to move public holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to either the preceding Friday or following Monday to boost productivity.
The proposed changes are expected to spark debate due to their sensitive nature, touching on Ghana's national identity and commemorative calendar. If passed, these changes will impact how Ghanaians observe their public holidays.
Currently, statutory public holidays in Ghana include New Year's Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday on April 18, and Easter Monday on April 21. Other holidays are May Day (Workers' Day) on May 1, Founders' Day on August 4, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day on September 21, and Farmers' Day on December 5. Christmas Day is scheduled for December 25, followed by Boxing Day on December 26. Commemorative Days include African Union Day on May 25 and Republic Day on July 1.
The passage of the bill will bring about changes to these existing holidays.
