The Ministry of the Interior of Ghana has officially declared Monday, September 22, 2025, a public holiday in observance of Founder’s Day. This decision stems from the fact that Founder’s Day, which commemorates the birth of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, falls on Sunday, September 21st. Ghanaian law stipulates that when a statutory public holiday coincides with a weekend, the President has the authority to shift the observance to the following Monday. This practice ensures that the public enjoys the full benefit of the holiday and maintains the spirit of commemoration without disrupting the regular work week. The declaration of September 22nd as a public holiday adheres to the recently amended Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, which specifically addresses the observance of holidays falling on weekends.
The official declaration was made through a statement issued by the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak. The statement confirms that President John Dramani Mahama exercised his executive power, as authorized by the amended Act, to designate Monday, September 22nd as the official day for the nationwide observance of Founder’s Day. This process ensures a clear and legal framework for shifting the holiday and provides ample notice to the public. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the law and respecting the significance of Founder’s Day in Ghana’s history.
The recent amendments to the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, passed earlier in the year by Parliament, introduced significant changes to Ghana’s holiday calendar. These revisions reflect a broader effort to re-evaluate and refine the national holidays to better reflect the nation’s history and values. A key change was the reinstatement of July 1st as Republic Day, a significant date marking Ghana’s transition to a republican form of government. The amendments also introduced a new holiday, “Shaqq Day,” observed after Eid-ul-Fitr, acknowledging the importance of this Islamic celebration in Ghana.
Furthermore, the amendments addressed the existing Founders’ Day, which had previously been observed on August 4th. This date was removed from the list of national holidays. The rationale behind this change was to specifically honor Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to Ghana’s independence struggle and his role as the nation’s founding president. Therefore, September 21st, Dr. Nkrumah’s birthday, was restored as Founder’s Day, emphasizing his individual legacy. This shift reflects a conscious decision to prioritize the recognition of Nkrumah’s singular role in shaping Ghana’s history.
The restoration of Nkrumah’s birthday as Founder’s Day signals a renewed focus on his pivotal role in Ghana’s journey to independence. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah led the Gold Coast, then a British colony, to independence in 1957, making it the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve this milestone. His leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the nation’s identity and setting its course towards self-determination. The decision to specifically commemorate his birthdate highlights his enduring influence on Ghana’s political and social landscape.
Therefore, the declaration of Monday, September 22, 2025, as a public holiday for Founder’s Day represents more than just a calendar adjustment. It signifies a deeper reflection on Ghana’s history, a reaffirmation of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy, and a commitment to honoring the principles of independence and self-governance upon which the nation was founded. The amended Act and the subsequent declaration underscore the importance of aligning national holidays with key historical events and figures, providing a tangible way for citizens to connect with their past and celebrate their national identity. By observing Founder’s Day, Ghanaians remember and honor the man who spearheaded their nation’s journey to freedom.
