Mahama Declares July 1 A Holiday Again, Says Ghana Needs A Day To Thank God
Mahama Declares July 1 A Holiday Again, Says Ghana Needs A Day To Thank God
Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced the restoration of July 1 as a public holiday, marking the return of Ghana’s Republic Day to the official holiday calendar.
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mahama emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of the day and expressed disappointment over its removal from the national holiday schedule in 2019.
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“On July 1, we became a republic and severed ties with the British Empire. That was the day true Ghana was born. I believe we must thank the Almighty God, and so we are restoring the holiday to that day,” Mahama said.
On July 1, 1960, Ghana, under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, transitioned into a republic. Prior to the 2019 law change under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, Republic Day was recognized as an official holiday.
The 2019 amendment, which sparked public debate, renamed certain holidays, designating January 7 as Constitution Day and August 4 as Founders’ Day. Additionally, it changed the name of September 21, formerly known as Founder’s Day, to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day.
Mahama argued that removing Republic Day diminished an essential part of Ghana’s independence story. He outlined plans to not only restore the holiday but also use it as a moment for national reflection and thanksgiving.
“The holiday was taken away, but now we’re bringing it back. As the Archbishop said, we will rest and pray to God for giving us our country, Ghana,” he affirmed.
Mahama explained that the day would also be observed as a National Thanksgiving Day, bringing together both Christians and Muslims in prayer for the country’s peace and progress.
“We’ve set up a task force to handle the planning. This will unite all Christian denominations in Ghana, and the Muslims will have their own observances. But all of us will take a day of rest, pray, and thank God for protecting and preserving our country,” Mahama added.
“1st July to be restored as a public holiday in commemoration of Ghana’s attainment of a republican status”
– President John Dramani Mahama announces the introduction of a National Thanksgiving Day on 1st July, at the Perez Chapel International. pic.twitter.com/LCM5SNExdJ
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 4, 2025
Source: Nkonkonsa.com
