MAHAMA DECLARES JULY 1 A HOLIDAY AGAIN, SAYS GHANA NEEDS A DAY TO THANK GOD

President John Dramani Mahama has restored July 1 as a public holiday, meaning Ghana’s Republic Day is once again recognized among the holidays in Ghana.

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the president highlighted the historical and spiritual importance of the day, voicing disappointment about its exclusion from the nation’s holiday calendar in 2019.

“First July we became a republic and we cut ties with the British Empire. So, on that day, the true Ghana was born. I’ve said that we must give thanks to the Almighty God, and so we are restoring the holiday to that day,” Mahama said in the video.

On July 1, 1960, Ghana was established as a republic, guided by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Before the law was changed in 2019 during President Akufo-Addo’s administration, Republic Day was recognised as an official holiday.

The amendment, which ignited public discussions back then, designated January 7 as Constitution Day and August 4 as Founders’ Day. It additionally changed the name of September 21, previously known as Founder’s Day, to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day.

However, Mahama contends that eliminating Republic Day weakened an important chapter in Ghana’s independence narrative. He revealed intentions to commemorate the day not just as a national holiday but also as a time for rest and gratitude to God.

“The holiday was taken away, we are bringing it back. As the Archbishop said on that day, we will take a rest and we will come and pray to God for giving us our country, Ghana,” he affirmed.

According to him, the day will also serve as a National Thanksgiving Day, uniting both Christians and Muslims in prayer for Ghana’s peace and progress.

“So we’ve set up a task force that is going to do all the planning.

“This will bring all Christian denominations in Ghana together, and the Muslims will also have theirs. But all of us will take a day of rest and pray and thank God for protecting and preserving our country,” Mahama stated.