President John Dramani Mahama has declared today, Monday, September 22, a public holiday to mark Founder’s Day.

The day, which commemorates the birthday of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, fell on Sunday, September 21. However, the Interior Ministry, through a press release on Thursday, September 17, indicated that “His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Monday, 22nd September 2025”.

The day would be observed throughout the country. Dr Kwame Nkrumah was the first Prime Minister and first President of Ghana. In 2019, the then Akufo- Addo-led government scrapped September 21, which was known as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day from the list of public holidays.

The former administration replaced the day to August 4 for the celebration of Ghana’s founding fathers. But in July this year, the President Mahama government reversed that decision to the initial arrangement, hence, removing August 4 as a public holiday following the amendment of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601).

The government noted that statutory holidays that fall on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday will be commemorated on the preceding Monday or Friday.

The passage of the bill 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, it was passed under a certificate of urgency after its first reading.

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.

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.

The day provides 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 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 Maham established a committee of religious leaders responsible for coordinating the event's preparations.

Meanwhile, the amended Act grants an additional holiday for the Muslim community, Shaqq Day, a statutory public holiday to be observed the day after Eid-ul-Fitr.