The 2024 flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged to restore July 1 as a national holiday in Ghana if elected.

July 1 marks the day Ghana became a Republic in 1960 and was celebrated annually until the Akufo-Addo administration, which made it a commemorative observance.

The current government also replaced it with August 4, a statutory holiday dedicated to celebrating Ghana’s founders.

During his tour of the Upper East Region, Mahama criticized President Akufo-Addo’s decision to shift the holiday from July 1 to August 4.

He accused the current administration of attempting to “rewrite history” by substituting Republic Day with Founders’ Day, a move he vehemently opposes.

“Apart from harming the economy, this government is also trying to alter our history. The President believes no single individual can be considered the founder of our nation, but history cannot be rewritten. For those unaware, when the Queen was considering granting Ghana independence, the UGCC whom Nana Akufo-Addo is advocating as Ghana’s founderspetitioned against it, arguing that Ghana was not ready for independence.”

This statement follows President Akufo-Addo’s August 3 broadcast, where he reiterated his stance that Ghana was not founded by a single person.

Mahama assured that under an NDC government, July 1 will be reinstated as a holiday to honour Ghana’s republic.

“July 1 was our Republic Day and also Senior Citizens’ Day. The current administration moved this holiday to August 4, the day the UGCC was established,” Mahama said. “When we assume office, we will correct this. July 1 will be a holiday again.”

Play the attached audio below: