The Government of Ghana has announced a revised list of statutory public holidays, effective immediately, as part of efforts to foster national unity and cohesion.

Minister for the Interior,  Mohamed Muntaka Mubarak, revealed the updated holiday schedule at a press briefing, stating that the changes are intended to focus on days that are widely recognised and celebrated across the country.

Key Changes:

Founders' Day Revised:
Founders' Day will now be observed on September 21, in honour of Ghana’s first President and independence leader, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. This replaces the previously observed August 4 date, which has been removed from the calendar. The Minister explained that August 4th had become “perceived as divisive,” and the change is aimed at promoting a more inclusive national narrative.

Elimination of August 4 Holiday:
August 4, previously commemorated as Founders' Day to mark the formation of the UGCC, has been scrapped due to its controversial nature in Ghana's political and historical discourse.

Revised List of Statutory Public Holidays:

New Year’s Day – January 1

Constitution Day – January 7

Independence Day – March 6

Good Friday – Movable date

Easter Monday – Movable date

Labour Day – May 1

Republic Day – July 1

Founders' Day – September 21

Farmers’ Day – First Friday in December

Christmas Day – December 25

Boxing Day – December 26

Eid-ul-Fitr – Date to be announced (movable, based on lunar calendar)

Eid-ul-Adha – Date to be announced (movable, based on lunar calendar)

The Minister noted that dates for Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha will be confirmed by the Office of the National Chief Imam, as they are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar.

 

In total, the government has confirmed 14 statutory holidays and commemorative days for 2025.

According to  Muntaka Mubarak, this revised calendar aims to create a more unified national identity by emphasising holidays that hold broad cultural and historical significance for Ghanaians of all backgrounds.