The general public is hereby notified that Sunday, August 4, 2024, will be observed as Founders’ Day, a statutory public holiday. Since Founders’ Day falls on a Sunday this year, President of the Republic of Ghana has declared Monday, August 5, 2024, as an additional public holiday.
This declaration, made by Executive Instrument (E.I) in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), ensures that Monday will be recognized as a public holiday across the country.
This notice is issued by Henry Quartey (MP), Minister for the Interior, and was announced in Accra on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Background on Founders Day Holiday in Ghana
In 2018, the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, through the Minister of the Interior, Ambrose Dery, introduced a Public Holidays Amendment Bill to Parliament. This bill amended the Public Holiday Act of 2001 and brought significant changes to Ghana’s public holiday calendar.
Key Changes in the Amendment Bill
The amendment bill abolished three public holidays and introduced two new ones. The holidays affected were:
1. Republic Holiday on July 1
2. African Union (AU) Holiday on May 25
3. Founder’s Day on September 21, which commemorated the birthday of Kwame Nkrumah
Introduction of Founders Day
A new holiday, Founders Day, was established on August 4, replacing the former Founder’s Day. This date was chosen to recognize two significant events in Ghana’s history:
1. Formation of the Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society (ARPS) – Founded by John Mensah Sarbah on August 4, 1897, this society was crucial in protecting the land rights of indigenous Ghanaians.
2. Formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC)- Established on August 4, 1947, by notable figures such as George Alfred Grant, J.B. Danquah, R.A. Awoonor-Williams, Edward Akufo-Addo, and Ebenezer Ako Adjei, along with some chiefs. The UGCC played a pivotal role in the fight for Ghana’s independence.
Significance of Founders Day
Founders Day is dedicated to honoring the generations of Ghanaians who contributed to the country’s liberation from colonial rule. It serves as a reminder of the collective efforts that led to Ghana’s independence and encourages the current generation to strive for economic independence and development.
Purpose of Founders Day
The holiday underscores the importance of acknowledging the foundational efforts of Ghana’s patriots and urges Ghanaians to work towards freeing themselves from economic structures established during colonial times. This day is seen as a call to action for the current generation to build a prosperous and self-sufficient nation.
