Republic Day Restored as Public Holiday, Set for July 4 This Year

President Mahama Declares Friday, July 4, a Public Holiday for Republic Day

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has officially declared Friday, July 4, 2025, a public holiday in honour of Republic Day, marking a significant shift in the nation’s commemorative calendar.

The announcement was made through an executive directive issued by the Office of the President and the Ministry of the Interior, following the recent passage of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The move restores Republic Day as a national public holiday after years of debate over its observance.

Traditionally marked on July 1, Republic Day commemorates Ghana’s transition into a full republic in 1960, three years after gaining independence from British colonial rule. However, in recent years, the day had been reduced to a commemorative status without public holiday designation. The reinstatement of the day; this time observed on Friday, July 4, instead of the usual July 1, aims to align the celebration with the convenience of a long weekend.

In his statement, President Mahama said the holiday would “offer citizens a moment to reflect on the ideals of the republic, honour democratic progress, and celebrate national unity.”

The shift from July 1 to July 4 is being described as a one-time adjustment, primarily to provide a long weekend for workers while still honouring the spirit of the occasion. The Ministry of the Interior clarified that this year’s observance on the 4th does not replace July 1 permanently but was influenced by calendar dynamics.

Reactions to the decision have been largely positive, with many Ghanaians welcoming the restoration of Republic Day as a public holiday. Civil society groups and historians who had long advocated for the day’s reinstatement say the move reflects a renewed commitment to national memory and civic pride.

However, others are calling for consistency in holiday observance, raising questions about how future Republic Days will be handled under the amended law.

As the first Republic Day holiday in several years, July 4 is expected to be marked by both official events and private celebrations across the country, including parades, speeches, and community activities reflecting on Ghana’s journey as a sovereign democratic state.

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