The 2024 flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has vowed to reinstate July 1 as a national holiday in Ghana if he secures victory in the upcoming elections.
Ghana, which became a Republic on July 1, 1960, celebrated this day annually until the Akufo-Addo administration altered its status, making it a commemorative day instead.
The government of President Nana Akufo-Addo replaced July 1 with August 4 as a statutory holiday to honor the founders of Ghana.
Speaking on the second day of his tour in the Upper East Region, Mahama criticized President Akufo-Addo's decision to change the holiday from July 1 to August 4.
He accused the current administration of attempting to "rewrite history" by substituting Republic Day with Founders' Day.
“Apart from destroying the economy, one of the things this government wants to do is to rewrite our history, and we shall not allow them to rewrite our history,” Mahama asserted.
He further elaborated that the president's refusal to recognize a single founder of the nation is an attempt to distort Ghana’s historical narrative.
Highlighting historical tensions, Mahama recounted that the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which the Akufo-Addo administration seeks to honor on August 4, petitioned the British monarchy to delay Ghana’s independence, arguing the country was not ready.
In a recent national broadcast on August 3, President Akufo-Addo reignited the debate, rejecting the idea that Ghana was founded by a single individual.
This stance has drawn sharp criticism from Mahama and his supporters.
Underlining his commitment to preserving Ghana’s historical integrity, Mahama promised that an NDC government would restore July 1 as a holiday.
“July 1 is our Republic Day and we also made it our senior citizens day. They have come to take the holiday from July 1 to August 4 which is the day the UGCC was founded. When we come to office, we will rectify those things. July 1 will be a holiday again,” he declared.
Mr. Mahama’s pledge has struck a chord with many who see the restoration of July 1 as crucial to honoring Ghana’s journey to becoming a republic and recognizing its senior citizens.
The promise adds a significant historical and cultural dimension to the political discourse as the election draws nearer.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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