President John Dramani Mahama announced plans to present amendments to the Holidays Amendments Act in Parliament to reinstate July 1 as a public holiday in celebration of Republic Day.
He also proposed the occasion to mark the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving which aligns with his campaign promise to thank God for what He has done for the people of Ghana and to seek his continued blessings for the nation and promote cohesion and national unity.
Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and people at the Sekondi Methodist Park during his “Thank You Tour” of the Western Region, President Mahama emphasized the significance of July 1 in the nation’s history, and expressed his commitment to ensuring that the day is recognized officially, allowing citizens to honor the values and principles that underpin the Republic and to engage in collective prayer for the nation’s progress.
“I propose that this national day of prayer and thanksgiving should be held on first July, which is also a republic day, and also marks senior citizens day”, he stated.
He continued “We will soon present to parliament amendments to the Public Holidays Act in order that we can restore July 1 as a holiday.”
The President also disclosed that, the amendments would include the creation of additional holiday for the celebration of the Islamic festival of Eidul-Fitir and Eidul-Adha, in fulfillment of his promise to the Muslim community during the 2024 electioneering campaign.
“And the amendment of the public holidays act, we shall also make provision to fulfill our promise to the Muslim community of an extra holiday to mark the Muslim festival of Eidul Fitr,” President Mahama added.
Meanwhile, the president further indicated that the giver will soon announce a planning committee made of religious leaders to plan the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Abdul-Hanan Adam
