Mahama to Restore Republic Day, Introduce Eid Holiday, and National Prayer Day
President Mahama outlines plans to amend the Public Holidays Act, honor Ghana’s history, and promote unity through prayer
- Mahama plans to restore July 1 as a public holiday, marking Ghana’s constitutional self-governance
- He promises an additional public holiday to honor the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fit
- July 1 will also serve as a day for national prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to reinstate Republic Day as a public holiday and introduce a new national holiday for Eid al-Fitr.
Speaking during his thank-you tour in the Western Region on February 5, Mahama pledged to amend the Public Holidays Act to restore July 1 as a holiday, marking Ghana’s transition to self-governance under its constitution.
This move seeks to reverse the 2019 amendment by former President Nana Akufo-Addo that removed Republic Day from the list of public holidays. Mahama further proposed establishing a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on July 1, coinciding with Senior Citizens’ Day, to reflect on Ghana’s journey and seek divine blessings for the nation.
Additionally, he reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s Muslim community by promising an official public holiday for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
“We will soon present to Parliament an amendment to the Public Holidays Act to restore July 1 as a holiday. The amendment will also include our promise to the Muslim community for an extra holiday to mark Eid al-Fitr,” Mahama stated.
He also assured Ghanaians of his dedication to delivering on his campaign promises, emphasizing tangible development and unity across the country.
