Gov’t declares Friday, July 3 as Republic Day holiday

The Ministry of the Interior has announced that Friday, July 3, 2026, will be observed nationwide as Republic Day, a statutory public holiday in Ghana.

The declaration follows an Executive Instrument (E.I.) issued by President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601), as amended.

Although Republic Day officially falls on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the government has designated Friday, July 3, as the day for its nationwide observance to allow Ghanaians to commemorate the occasion as a public holiday.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior on June 24, 2026, and signed by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.

According to the Ministry, all citizens, institutions, businesses, and public sector organizations are expected to recognize Friday, July 3, 2026, as a statutory public holiday.

“The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 3rd July 2026, marks Republic Day, which is a statutory public holiday,” the statement said.

The Ministry explained that the adjustment was made because the actual Republic Day anniversary falls on a Wednesday, and the President has exercised his authority under the law to designate an alternative date for its official observance.

Republic Day is one of Ghana's important national commemorations, marking the country's transition to a republic on July 1, 1960.

The historic milestone came three years after Ghana attained independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957.

On July 1, 1960, Ghana officially became a republic and adopted a republican system of governance, with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah becoming the country's first President.

The day serves as an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on the nation's democratic journey, constitutional development, and the sacrifices made by the country's founding leaders in building an independent and sovereign state.

The Interior Ministry noted that the declaration was made through an Executive Instrument signed by President John Dramani Mahama.

The decision is consistent with provisions contained in the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, which empowers the President to declare and adjust public holidays where necessary.

“However, in view of the fact that 1st July 2026 falls on a Wednesday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I.), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Friday, 3rd July 2026, as Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the statement added.

The Ministry has urged the general public to take note of the change and make the necessary arrangements regarding business operations, travel plans, educational activities, and public services.

Government institutions, private sector organizations, and workers are expected to observe the holiday in line with the country's public holiday regulations.

The declaration effectively creates a long weekend for many workers and families, providing an opportunity for rest, reflection, and participation in activities marking Ghana's republican status.

Republic Day remains a significant date on Ghana's national calendar, commemorating a defining moment in the nation's political history and reaffirming the country's commitment to democratic governance and national development.