By John Mahama, the 2024 flagbearer of Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to reinstate July 1 as a national holiday if he is elected in the upcoming elections. This move is aimed at honoring Ghana’s history and re-establishing Republic Day, which commemorates the nation’s transition to a republic on July 1, 1960. The day was historically celebrated until the current Akufo-Addo administration replaced it with Founders’ Day on August 4.
The change from Republic Day to Founders’ Day was implemented by President Nana Akufo-Addo, who declared August 4 as a statutory holiday to recognize the contributions of various individuals who played significant roles in Ghana’s independence struggle. This decision has been met with criticism from some segments of the population who view it as an attempt to alter the country’s historical narrative.
During a tour in the Upper East Region, John Mahama publicly criticized President Akufo-Addo’s decision to shift the holiday from July 1 to August 4. Mahama argued that this change undermines the historical significance of July 1, which marked the day Ghana became a republic, independent of colonial rule.
According to Mahama, the current administration is attempting to “rewrite history” by replacing Republic Day with Founders’ Day. He expressed strong opposition to this move, emphasizing the importance of preserving Ghana’s historical identity and the significance of July 1 as Republic 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 because the president said he does not accept that one person can be the founder of our nation,” Mahama stated.
He further elaborated on the importance of recognizing Republic Day, particularly as it was a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards full independence. Mahama highlighted that the change to Founders’ Day distorts the historical narrative by not adequately honoring the day Ghana transitioned to a republic.
Mahama’s comments came shortly after President Akufo-Addo reignited the debate by asserting in a national broadcast that Ghana’s independence was not solely the work of one individual. Akufo-Addo emphasized the collective efforts of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and other groups in the independence movement.
Mahama contends that July 1 should be restored as a national holiday under a future NDC government to preserve Ghana’s historical legacy. He also mentioned the significance of Republic Day to senior citizens who have historically celebrated it as a pivotal day in Ghana’s history.
“Nobody can come and rewrite our history. Indeed, for those of you who don’t know it, when the Queen finally agreed to give Ghana independence, the UGCC that Nana Akufo-Addo is fighting to be recognized as founders of Ghana wrote a petition. They sent people to England to tell the queen not to grant independence because we are not ready yet,” Mahama added.
John Mahama’s pledge to reinstate July 1 as a national holiday reflects his commitment to preserving Ghana’s historical identity and honoring the legacy of those who fought for the country’s independence. As the election approaches, this issue is likely to remain a significant point of debate between the political parties.
