People from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities came together to be identified as Ghanaians on March 6, 1957, when the Gold Coast gained independence from the British.Since then, some relevant occasions (religious and civic) have been earmarked as statutory public holidays to remind citizens of their past as well as provide an opportunity for patriotic citizens to be celebrated.

0

Throughout the year, 13 public statutory holidays are celebrated by Ghanaians.In this article, we will explore the various statutory holidays observed in Ghana and their importance.New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1 every year. New Year's Day is celebrated worldwide to mark the beginning of a new calendar year.Constitution Day is marked every January 7.

1

Constitution Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Fourth Republican Constitution of Ghana on January 7, 1993.Ghana celebrates its Independence Day on every 6th March after breaking colonial ties in 1957. Ghanaians use this occasion to reflect on the nation's history, pay homage to its forefathers and leaders who fought for independence, and reaffirm their commitment to the principles of democracy, unity, and progress.

2

Good Friday, a Christian holiday is earmarked on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It has no fixed date as it is observed on the Friday that follows the first full moon that occurs on or after March 21st.Easter, another Christian holiday, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the central and most significant day of the Easter festival.

3

May Day, a civic holiday celebrated every May 1 allows workers to come together in solidarity to celebrate their achievements, and advocate for improvements in labor laws and workplace conditions.Muslims in Ghana get to celebrate two religious days; Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha. Their days are not set as they are dependent on the sighting of the moon.Founders' Day is commemorated on August 4.

4

This provides an opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to individuals such as Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, J.B. Danquah, and other leaders who played significant roles in Ghana's struggle for independence and its early post-independence development.

5

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day is celebrated every September 21 to mark the birthday of Ghana's first president and his contributions to the nation's history and his role in leading Ghana to independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957.Farmers' Day: Ghanaians on every first Friday in December honor and appreciate the significant contributions of farmers and fishermen to the country's economy and well-being.

6

Christmas Day: Over 30 million Ghanaians join the Christian community on December 25 to mark the birth of Christ Jesus.Boxing Day, celebrated a day just after Christmas, December 26, enables citizens to continue celebrating and spending time with family and friends.<img alt="" class="wp-image-562534"/>

7