President John Dramani Mahama has announced his intention to restore July 1 as a public holiday, in celebration of Republic Day, through proposed amendments to the Holidays Amendment Act in Parliament.
During a durbar of chiefs and people at the Sekondi Methodist Park as part of his “Thank You Tour” of the Western Region, President Mahama highlighted the historical significance of July 1 in the nation’s journey.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the day is officially recognized, providing an opportunity for citizens to honor the values and principles of the Republic and come together in collective prayer for the nation’s progress.
He also proposed designating the occasion as the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, in line with his campaign promise to thank God for His blessings on the people of Ghana, seek continued divine favor for the nation, and foster national unity and cohesion.
“I propose that this national day of prayer and thanksgiving should be held on first July, which is also a republic day, and also marks senior citizens day”, he stated.
“We will soon present to parliament amendments to the Public Holidays Act in order that we can restore July 1 as a holiday.”
The President also revealed that the amendments would include the establishment of additional holidays to celebrate the Islamic festivals of Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha, fulfilling a promise made to the Muslim community during the 2024 election campaign.
“And the amendment of the public holidays act, we shall also make provision to fulfill our promise to the Muslim community of an extra holiday to mark the Muslim festival of Eidul Fitr,” President Mahama added.
Meanwhile, the president further announced that a planning committee, composed of religious leaders, will soon be established to organize the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
