The Interior Ministry has declared Friday, December 5, a statutory public holiday. The announcement was made through an official statement dated Friday, November 28 and signed by the Minister of Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka.

According to the statement, December 5th has been earmarked to celebrate farmers nationwide.

It read, “The General Public is hereby informed that Friday, 5th December, 2025, which marks FARMERS DAY, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country”.

In Ghana, Farmers’ Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of December to acknowledge and celebrate farmers across the country for their tremendous contributions to national development in terms of food security and economic growth.

It is also observed as a statutory public holiday nationwide, where the nation dedicates the day to the farmers. Members of Parliament, both government and private workers, all stay away from work as a sign to join the nation in celebrating farmers in the country.

Consequently, Parliament announced it will not sit on that day, allowing MPs and citizens to join in honouring farmers.

On the day of the celebration, a grand national durbar is held in a selected region, where outstanding farmers and fishers are awarded prizes ranging from cash rewards, farming equipment and tools, vehicles, and even houses. In some cases, awardees also receive sponsored trips to exciting destinations as part of efforts to celebrate their excellence in agriculture.

Awards are given at district, regional, and national levels, with the national award being the most prestigious.

This year’s theme, according to reports, is “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, Secure the Future.” The national event will be hosted in Ho, in the Volta Region.

Mostly, these farmers are awarded for productivity, innovation, environmental sustainability, and contribution to community development.

Last year, Nana Owusu Achiaw (Sekyere Central District, Ashanti Region) was adjudged the 2024 National Best Farmer award because of his success in mixed farming, combining crops, livestock, plantations, and agro‑forestry. His winning the award was also influenced by his adoption of climate‑smart, innovative practices. His farms created employment for 150–168 workers in Sekyere. He received GH¢1 million cash prize sponsored by ADB.

Ernestina Osei Tutu from the Akwapim North Municipality in the Eastern Region was adjudged the National Best Female Farmer.

Ms Tutu received a cash prize of GH¢200,000 sponsored by the government, as well as a standard tractor and accessories provided by the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Also, for the female best farmer, she was also allowed to undergo a capacity building training and a study tour of the country.

Meanwhile, July 1 has been reinstated as a statutory public holiday after Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amends Act 601.

This followed the assessment by the Committee on Defence and Interior, along with the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who deemed the bill urgent.

While presenting the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the government had reviewed the number of public holidays in line with its earlier commitments to reform and streamline the holiday calendar.

He emphasised that Republic Day holds great significance in Ghana’s history, which is why the government is reinstating it as a full public holiday.

According to him, Ghana would continue to observe key holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday and Easter Monday in March or April for Christians, Labour Day on May 1, and Republic Day on July 1.

The bill was introduced to Parliament by Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka in his capacity as Interior Minister last week and was passed under a certificate of urgency after its first reading.

In 2024, President John Dramani Mahama expressed regret over his predecessor, former President Akufo-Addo’s decision to abolish Republic Day as a public holiday, and pledged to reinstate it.

He wrote on Facebook, “It is most regrettable that the current government has scrapped commemorating this important day as a public holiday. However, as we reflect on the significance of Republic Day, let us use this as a rallying call to rekindle the spirit of dedication and commitment that our forebears demonstrated. We must continue building a better, renewed Ghana, where opportunities are created for everyone to thrive.

During his Thank You tour in the Western Region on February 5, President Mahama revealed not only does he plan to declare July 1 a statutory holiday, but also a day Ghanaians will gather and pray.

This proposed day would provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on and appreciate the country's achievements and progress.

“We will have the 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,’” he stated.

Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to support President John Dramani Mahama's declaration of July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

“All of us have to support this initiative. It is a worthwhile initiative that we have this one day where all of us come together to give thanks to the Almighty for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon us,” former President Akufo-Addo said.

To facilitate a seamless observance, President Mahama has established a committee of religious leaders responsible for coordinating the event's preparations.