Parliament has approved the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduces significant changes to Ghana’s holiday calendar. The bill empowers the President to shift public holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to either the following Friday or preceding Monday.
This move aims to improve national productivity and scheduling flexibility. The bill also restores July 1 as Republic Day, introduces a new public holiday for the Muslim community known as Shaqq Day, and reinstates September 21 as Founder’s Day to honor Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The amended holiday framework is expected to spark fresh public discourse on national identity, religious inclusivity, and the politics of remembrance. The bill was passed after being read for the third time, with First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor announcing its approval.
Sankofaonline
