Ghana’s opposition political party promises to make 1st July a holiday again when brought back to power

Ghana’s main opposition political party the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it will restore 1 July of every year, Republic Day, as a public holiday as it used to be.

The 1 July holiday was scrapped by the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

It is now a commemorative day.

Republic Day signifies the attainment of Ghana’s republican status.

This year marks the 59th-anniversary of the attainment of Ghana’s republican status.

The NDC, in a statement to mark the day, said: “Sadly, today, the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa 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 forebears in our collective struggle to affirm the benefits of equality, liberty, freedom and justice, to a mere commemorative day in order to rob our gallant forbears the historical credit and recognition that they so richly deserve.

“The National Democratic Congress has had occasion to criticise President Akufo-Addo’s attempts to rewrite the history of Ghana, downplaying the role of genuine patriots and placing his family and clan above all else.

“The NDC would want to assure all Ghanaians living everywhere that upon its assumption of office in January 2021, Republic Day will be accorded full recognition as one of the most important national days in our history.”