The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will return the Republic Day to a statutory holiday should it win power in 2020.
After the Public Holiday Amendment Act, 2019 (Act 986) was assented to by President Nana Akufo-Addo in April, Republic Day and AU Day became commemorative holidays.The Bill also made January 7 Constitution Day.
This was the subject of criticism from NDC and Minority legislators in Parliament who accused the government of trying to undermine certain historical figures.
The NDC, known for its support of Nkrumaist ideals, said the move was an attempt to distort Ghana’s history.
The Minority MPs also boycotted discussions on the Bill and its eventual passing.
The NDC in a statement marking the Republic Day said the government’s move degraded the significance of the day.
The statement said President Akufo-Addo “has deemed it fit to degrade the importance of this great day from a full public holiday intended to celebrate the efforts of our forebearers in our collective struggle to affirm the benefits of equality, liberty, freedom and justice.”
“The NDC would want to assure all Ghanaians living everywhere that upon its assumption of office in January 2020, Republic Day will be accorded full recognition as one of the more important nation days in our history.”
The statement also said making Republic Day a commemorative holiday robbed “our gallant forebears of the historical credit and recognition that they so richly deserve.”
Republic Day marked the day Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah was sworn into office as the first President as Ghana was proclaimed a Republic on 1 July 1960.
Republic Day has also become Senior Citizens’ Day; a day meant to recognise the efforts and contributions of senior citizens to modern Ghana.
