A senior lecturer at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) in Kumasi, Dr. Aron Kumah, has welcomed the government’s decision to move midweek holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to Fridays.
Dr. Kumah has described it as a positive step toward boosting productivity and national development.
In an interview with Adom News, Dr. Kumah emphasised that midweek holidays often disrupt workflow, particularly within the public sector, and the proposed adjustments would help maintain momentum and efficiency.
“When holidays fall on a Tuesday or Wednesday, many workers take the opportunity to travel or relax beyond the holiday itself. By the time they return to work the next day, they’re fatigued and less productive.
“In some cases, especially in the public sector, people don’t even return to work at all the following day. This does not often happen in the private sector, where productivity is strictly monitored,” he said.
Dr. Kumah believes the amendment enjoys broad support across the political spectrum and urged Ghanaians to collectively support the change to ensure its long-term implementation.
“So far, both the Majority and Minority in Parliament have not raised serious concerns about the decision. That should tell us it’s in the national interest. We must all lend our voices to support it, so that future governments don’t reverse this good policy,” he added.
He cited global examples such as China, where similar adjustments are made to public holidays in order to maximize productivity during key economic periods.
“Even in countries like China, they sometimes postpone holidays to focus on work, especially during critical seasons, and then celebrate the holiday afterward. It’s a practical approach we can learn from,” he stated.
Dr. Kumah also called on labour experts and policymakers to champion policy consistency for national development.
“It’s time we maintained consistency in our policies. Frequent reversals discourage growth and continuity,” he urged.
Dr. Kumah’s comments follow the recent passage of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by Ghana’s Parliament. The new legislation introduces significant changes to the country’s public holiday calendar.
The bill empowers the President to shift public holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to the preceding Monday or the following Friday, to enhance national productivity and scheduling flexibility.
July 1 has been restored as Republic Day, officially marking Ghana’s transition to a republic in 1960.
A new Muslim holiday, Shaqq Day, has also been introduced to be observed the day after Eid-ul-Fitr, providing time for extended reflection and celebration.
In addition, August 4 as Founders’ Day has been repealed and September 21 reinstated as Founder’s Day, in honour of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a key figure in the country’s independence movement.
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