Parliament Approves New Holiday Bill; Midweek Holidays Moved to Fridays
Parliament modernizes Ghana’s holiday calendar with flexible midweek shifts, restores historic dates, and adds a new Muslim holiday for greater inclusivity.
- Republic Day restored on July 1 to honor Ghana’s transition to a republic.
- New Muslim holiday, Shaqq Day, introduced after Eid-ul-Fitr for extended celebration
- Midweek holidays moved to Fridays
Parliament has officially passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, bringing notable changes to Ghana’s holiday schedule.
The legislation reinstates July 1 as Republic Day, formally celebrating Ghana’s transformation into a republic in 1960.
In a landmark move for religious inclusivity, the bill introduces Shaqq Day—a new public holiday for the Muslim community observed the day after Eid-ul-Fitr—allowing for extended reflection and celebration.
August 4’s Founders’ Day has been repealed, with September 21 restored as Founder’s Day to honor Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and independence hero.
To boost productivity and streamline scheduling, the President is now authorized to move public holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to the closest Friday or Monday.
First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor declared the bill passed:
“Honourable members, the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Amendment Bill 2025 is duly read the third time and passed.”
These amendments are set to ignite renewed conversations around national identity, religious respect, and the politics of remembrance in Ghana.
