The Ministry of the Interior has clarified that August 4, 2025, will not be observed as a public holiday in Ghana, signaling a shift in how the nation marks its historical commemorations.
In an official statement released Wednesday, the Ministry emphasized that commemorative days, unlike statutory public holidays, do not warrant the suspension of work or closure of public institutions.
August 4 was formerly recognized as Founder’s Day, honoring the founding of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), a cornerstone in Ghana’s independence struggle. However, legislative reforms earlier this year have altered the calendar of national holidays.
Parliament’s passage of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, reversed changes made under the previous Akufo-Addo administration by reinstating September 21—Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday—as Founders’ Day, and restoring July 1 as Republic Day. Both dates now hold statutory holiday status.
The new law also introduces a public holiday following Eid-ul-Fitr to recognize Ghana’s Muslim community, and grants the President authority to adjust the timing of holidays to maximize work productivity, including shifting midweek holidays to Fridays and weekend holidays to Mondays.
The Interior Ministry urged businesses, schools, and government agencies to plan accordingly, noting that August 4 will be treated as a normal working day this year.
This realignment reflects Ghana’s evolving approach to balancing respect for historical milestones with the practical demands of economic productivity.
