Check Public Holidays in Ghana: Here is the List of National or Public Holidays in Ghana

Check Public Holidays in Ghana: Here is the List of National or Public Holidays in Ghana.

The Cambridge dictionary defines holiday as “a time when someone does not go to work or school but is free to do what they want, such as travel or relax”. Check out the complete List of all National or Public Holidays in Ghana.

In Ghana, there are about 17 days in each year known to have been set aside to be observed as public holidays. As said by John Clayton, that all holidays can be good times, most Ghanaians, especially government workers and students, enjoy these days. We hope you find creative ways to enjoy holiday seasons.

Some of these days are meant to celebrate the nation, religion, a dignitary or a particular group of people. You may use these days to visit one of the best tourist sites in Ghana.

List of All Public Holidays in Ghana and What They Stand for.

JANUARY

1. New Year Day – 1st January

The 1^st of January is the beginning of every year. Ghana, just like many other countries all over the world, has this day marked as a public holiday. It is a day meant for resting and preparation for the days ahead in the New Year.

FEBRUARY

There is no public Holiday in the month February.

MARCH

1. Independence Day – 6th March

On the 6^th of March, 1957, Ghana was declared an independent nation. This independence is so dear to Ghana that her people cannot afford to forget such a day. Therefore, for the celebration of independence which was achieved by our forefathers, especially the Big Six, this day has been set aside as one of the public holidays in Ghana. On each 6th day of March, a national celebration is done in the form of marching and cultural display.

Therefore, for the celebration of independence which was achieved by our forefathers, especially the Big Six, this day has been set aside as one of the public holidays in Ghana. On each 6th day of March, a national celebration is done in the form of marching and cultural display.

MARCH/APRIL

1. Good Friday – 14th April 2017
2. Holy Saturday – 15th April 2017
3. Easter Sunday/ Easter Day – 16th April 2017
4. Easter Monday – 17th April 2017

These four days fall within the Easter celebration period of Christians. They are observed as public holidays in Ghana and many other countries. Their days of observation do not have a fixed dates but occur between March and April.

Good Friday, which is the first holiday in the Easter season, is a day for the commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is usually observed by fasting, worship and prayer services and almsgiving.

The day after Easter Sunday, Easter Monday is equally special to Christians. It is also observed by organizing church services.

MAY

1. May Day – 1st May 
2. African Union Day – 25th May

May Day is also known as Workers’ day or Labor Day. The 1^st of May is a holiday not only in Ghana but in other countries as well; it is an international holiday. It is set aside to celebrate workers and motivate them to do more.

The unity of African countries, which was inspired by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, made it necessary for 25^thMay to be recognized and made a holiday in African countries including Ghana. This day is honored by Africans with regards the foundation of the Organization of African Unity.

JUNE

1. Id ul Fitr – Monday 26^th June 2017

Eid-Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan fasting. It is observed by praying and charity-giving. This day has been declared a national holiday in Ghana by the Ministry of Interior.

JULY

1. Republic Day – Saturday 1st July 2017 (To be observed on Monday 3rd July 2017)

On July 1, 1960, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, proclaimed the nation as a republic. Since then, every first day of July is been declared as a public holiday.

This year, the Republic Day is a Saturday. Hence it would be observed the next Monday which is 3^rd July 2017.

AUGUST

There is no holiday in August.

SEPTEMBER

1. Id ul Adha – Saturday 2^nd September 2017
2. Founder’s Day – Tuesday 21st September 2017

Id ul Adha – Id ul Adha falls on Saturday 2^nd September 2017. Since Id ul Adha is not a National Holiday, the next Monday wouldn’t be a holiday.

Every 21^st of September in Ghana is a day of celebration of a legend. This day, the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is set aside to honor him and reflect on the legacy he left behind.

OCTOBER

There is no Public Holiday in October.

NOVEMBER

There is no Public Holiday in November.

DECEMBER

1. Farmers’ Day – Friday 1st December 2017
2. Christmas Eve – Sunday 24th December 2017
3. Christmas Day – Monday 25^th December 2017
4. Boxing Day – Tuesday 26th December 2017
5. New Year’s Eve – Sunday 31st December 2017

Farmers’ day is celebrated every 1st Friday of December. It is a day of honor and respect to farmers and fishermen, whereby the best and hardworking ones among them are awarded.

25^th December is a joyful day to most Christians worldwide. In Ghana and other countries, it is a public holiday to all, irrespective of the religion you belong. It is a day set aside for the commemoration of the birth of Christ.

Boxing Day follows Christmas day directly, that is 26^th December. In Ghana, it is mostly celebrated by gift giving to loved ones and less privileged. Others use it as an opportunity to have fun and play some games with friends and loved ones.

Source – websiteghana