President Mahama to Restore July 1 as Republic Day with National Day of Prayer

President John Mahama has revealed plans to reinstate July 1 as a statutory public holiday, reviving its role as Republic Day and Senior Citizens Day in Ghana.

During his Thank You tour in the Western Region on Wednesday, February 5, President Mahama suggested that the day be observed as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, encouraging citizens to reflect on the country’s progress and express gratitude.

“We will have the opportunity as a nation soon to pray and give thanks to the Almighty God, as enjoined by the Holy Book that says, ‘In all things, give thanks,’” he stated.

To ensure the smooth organization of the occasion, the President mentioned that a committee of religious leaders would be established to oversee the event’s preparations.

President Mahama further announced plans to submit amendments to the Public Holidays Act to Parliament, aiming to officially restore July 1 as a public holiday.

“We will soon present to Parliament amendments to the Public Holidays Act in order that we can restore July 1 as a holiday,” he emphasized.

He also indicated that the proposed amendments would include provisions to fulfill a long-standing promise to the Muslim community. “In the amendments of the Republic Holidays Act, we shall also make provisions to fulfill our promise to the Muslim community of an extra holiday to mark the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr,” President Mahama added.