President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to reinstate Republic Day as a national holiday while also introducing an additional public holiday for Eid al-Fitr. His administration intends to amend the Public Holidays Act to restore July 1 as a national holiday, recognizing Ghana’s transition to self-governance under its constitution.
During his thank-you tour in the Western Region on Wednesday, February 5, Mahama assured Ghanaians that he is committed to fulfilling the promises made during his campaign. He highlighted that his decision to restore Republic Day aligns with the historical significance of Ghana’s political journey. His pledge comes in response to the 2019 amendment by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, which removed Republic Day from the list of public holidays.
Mahama also reaffirmed his promise to the Muslim community, proposing an official holiday for Eid al-Fitr. He emphasized that this decision is part of his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all religious groups in Ghana. He noted that Muslims play a significant role in the country’s development, and their major festivals should be given the national recognition they deserve.
In addition to these initiatives, Mahama revealed plans to establish a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. He proposed that this special day be observed on July 1, which coincides with Senior Citizens’ Day, as a time for national reflection and seeking divine guidance for the country’s progress. He stressed the importance of national unity and the role of faith in shaping Ghana’s future.
“We will have an opportunity as a nation soon to pray and give thanks to the Almighty God, as enjoined by the Holy Book that says in all things, give thanks to the Almighty God. We will thank God for His blessings on our nation, Ghana, and I will soon announce a planning committee made up of religious leaders to organize the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving,” Mahama said.
He further explained that incorporating the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving into Republic Day celebrations would create a unique opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on their collective journey as a nation while seeking divine wisdom for the years ahead.
“I propose that this National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving should be held on the first of July, which is also our Republic Day and marks Senior Citizens’ Day. Nananom, my brothers and sisters, we will soon present to Parliament an amendment to the Public Holidays Act so that we can restore July 1 as a holiday,” he reiterated.
Beyond reinstating Republic Day and introducing the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling a key promise made to the Muslim community. He assured them that his government would take the necessary steps to formally recognize an additional holiday for Eid al-Fitr.
“In the amendment of the Public Holidays Act, we shall also make provisions to fulfill our promise to the Muslim community of an extra holiday to mark the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr,” Mahama assured.
His announcement was met with enthusiasm, particularly among traditional authorities and the Muslim community, who have long advocated for the recognition of Eid al-Fitr as an official holiday. Many view this move as a step toward greater national inclusivity, ensuring that all religious groups in Ghana feel equally valued.
Mahama also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the people of the Western Region for their support in the recent elections. He acknowledged their trust and confidence in his leadership and assured them that his government would work tirelessly to bring meaningful development to their communities.
“I am here to say thank you to all the hundreds of people who voted for me here in the Western Region. I am here to reaffirm my commitment to honoring the trust and confidence you have imposed on me. We will deliver on our promises, and I am hopeful that you will see tangible, life-changing development across the region soon,” he assured.
The restoration of Republic Day as a public holiday is expected to spark further discussions on the importance of preserving national history and traditions. Many Ghanaians, particularly senior citizens, have expressed disappointment over the removal of the holiday in 2019, arguing that it diminished the significance of Ghana’s journey toward full independence. By bringing it back, Mahama aims to reinforce the importance of Ghana’s self-governance and the contributions of past leaders in shaping the nation.
Meanwhile, the proposal to introduce an additional public holiday for Eid al-Fitr has been widely welcomed by Muslim groups, who have long advocated for such recognition. With Ghana being a religiously diverse nation, Mahama’s decision is seen as a move toward greater religious inclusivity and national unity.
Political analysts believe that these policy announcements signal Mahama’s broader vision for governance, one that prioritizes national cohesion, respect for historical traditions, and inclusivity across religious and cultural lines. As his administration prepares to amend the Public Holidays Act, many will be watching closely to see how Parliament responds to these proposed changes.
The coming months will be crucial as Mahama’s government takes the necessary steps to implement these holiday reforms. His ability to deliver on these promises will not only strengthen his credibility but also demonstrate his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and historically conscious Ghana.
