The Ministry of the Interior in Ghana has issued a clarification regarding the observance of holidays in the year 2025, specifically addressing the status of Monday, August 4th. This date had previously been recognized as Founder’s Day under the former administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by President Akufo-Addo. The significance of August 4th stems from its association with the genesis of organized political movements striving for Ghana’s independence from colonial rule. This date specifically marks the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), a pivotal political organization that laid the groundwork for the nation’s eventual freedom.
However, with the change in government and the subsequent election of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a shift in the observance of Founder’s Day has been enacted. The newly elected government, through the passage of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Act, 2025, has officially moved the commemoration of Founder’s Day to September 21st. This date holds significance as the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, a figure whose influence and legacy continue to resonate within the nation’s political landscape.
The Interior Ministry, in a public announcement disseminated via Facebook on July 31st, 2025, explicitly stated that Monday, August 4th, 2025, would not be observed as a public holiday. This clarification was issued to dispel any confusion or misconceptions regarding the date’s status, ensuring that citizens, businesses, and institutions were aware of the change in observance. The Ministry’s statement emphasized the legal basis for this alteration, citing Section 3 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601), as amended by Act 1142. This legal provision grants the President the authority to adjust the observance of holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, shifting them to either a Monday or a Friday. This flexibility allows for better planning and minimizes disruption to the work week. The law also allows for the shifting of holidays that fall on weekends to the subsequent Monday.
The shift in the date of Founder’s Day reflects the NDC government’s emphasis on recognizing Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s pivotal role in Ghana’s independence struggle and subsequent development. The decision to align Founder’s Day with Nkrumah’s birthday underscores his enduring legacy as a prominent figure in Ghanaian history. This change also highlights the complexities of historical interpretation and the evolving narratives surrounding national identity and the commemoration of key figures and events.
This clarification by the Ministry of the Interior serves an important function in ensuring accurate public awareness regarding holiday observances. By providing a clear and unambiguous statement, the government aims to minimize any potential confusion or disruption that might arise from conflicting information. The public announcement also underscores the importance of adhering to official government communications and legal frameworks when interpreting and observing national holidays.
The amendment to the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act reflects the dynamic nature of national narratives and the ongoing discourse surrounding the interpretation of historical events. The shift in the date of Founder’s Day from August 4th to September 21st represents a shift in emphasis and a re-evaluation of the figures and events that are deemed central to Ghana’s national identity. This change also highlights the power of legislative action to shape public understanding and observance of key historical moments within a nation’s history.
