"National Thanksgiving Day": Prez Mahama makes July 1 a holiday again

President Mahama Declares July 1 a Holiday: “It Will Be a Day of Prayer”

On May 4, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama announced that July 1 will be a public holiday. This date marks Ghana's Republic Day. The holiday was removed in 2019 by the previous Akufo-Addo government.

President Mahama made this announcement during a service at Perez Chapel International in Accra. He emphasized that July 1 will be a day for Ghanaians to pray and give thanks to God.

In his speech, he stated, "First July we became a republic and cut ties with the British Empire." He added that this day represents the birth of true Ghana.

The President mentioned that they are restoring the holiday to allow citizens to pray for the country. He referred to it as National Thanksgiving Day.

A task force will plan activities for this day. It aims to unite all Christian denominations and include Muslims as well. Everyone will have a day of rest to thank God for protecting Ghana.

When he shared this news, congregants applauded in approval. However, reactions on social media were mixed regarding the reinstatement of the holiday.

Some users expressed concerns about too many holidays affecting productivity in Ghana. Others criticized the decision as populism or questioned its necessity.

Despite differing opinions, many showed support for more holidays and expressed their hopes for future governance under Mahama.