MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 DECLARED PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN GHANA

The Ministry of the Interior has declared Monday, September 22, 2025, as a statutory public holiday across the country.

The holiday marks the annual commemoration of Founder’s Day, which falls on September 21 each year. Since the date coincides with a Sunday this year, the following Monday has been designated as a replacement holiday, in line with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended.

A statement signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak noted that the decision was made under the authority of President John Mahama, who issued an Executive Instrument to formalize the holiday. Citizens have therefore been encouraged to observe the day nationwide.

A Brief History of Founder’s Day in Ghana

Founder’s Day is observed to honour Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a central figure in the nation’s independence struggle. Born on September 21, 1909, Nkrumah led the country to independence from British colonial rule in 1957 and became a symbol of Pan-African unity.

The holiday was first introduced in 2009 during the administration of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, who set aside Nkrumah’s birthday as a day to celebrate his vision and contributions. Over time, debates emerged about whether it should be recognized as Founder’s Day (celebrating Nkrumah alone) or Founders’ Day (recognizing other independence leaders as well). Despite the political debates, the day remains a significant reminder of Ghana’s journey to self-rule.

As the nation marks the occasion this year, Ghanaians are encouraged to reflect on the values of unity, freedom, and resilience that shaped the country’s independence struggle.