Parliament has officially restored September 21 as Founder’s Day, exclusively honouring Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, following the passage of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The move brings an end to years of political debate over how Ghana’s independence leaders should be recognised, with the government opting to reserve the day solely for Nkrumah, widely regarded as the driving force behind the country’s independence.
The amendment effectively repeals the August 4 Founders’ Day holiday, which was introduced in recent years to collectively honour all the individuals and groups who contributed to Ghana’s liberation struggle.
The government argues that while many played roles, it was Dr. Nkrumah’s vision, leadership, and determination that delivered independence and laid the foundation for the nation.
Announcing the change in Parliament, Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak said restoring September 21 as Founder’s Day reflects Ghana’s historical truth and gives due recognition to Nkrumah’s unmatched contribution.
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“The purpose of the proposed amendment to the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601) seeks to provide for the removal of the celebration of Founder’s Day on 4th August as a public holiday and rename Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day as Founders’ day which is to be celebrated on 21st September,” the Minister stated.
September 21 marks the birthday of Nkrumah, whose leadership saw Ghana gain independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, making it the first sub-Saharan African country to do so.
While the restoration of Nkrumah’s day has been welcomed by his supporters and many ordinary Ghanaians, the change has reignited political debate.
Some opposition MPs, particularly those aligned with the previous administration that introduced Founders’ Day on August 4, argue that Ghana’s history should recognise the collective efforts of all independence fighters.
Despite the concerns, the bill was passed, alongside other changes including the reinstatement of July 1 as Republic Day and the introduction of a new Muslim holiday, Shaqq Day, to be observed after Eid-ul-Fitr.
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The amendment also grants the President the power to move public holidays that fall midweek to the nearest Friday or Monday to create longer weekends and improve productivity.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
