Why is 7th January (Constitution Day) a Holiday in Ghana?

The 7^th of January in Ghana is a national public holiday in Ghana. The reason for this holiday is to celebrate the birth of the 4^th republic in 1993 and to also the coming effect of the 1992 constitution.

That makes the name of the holiday ‘’Constitution Day’’. But, have you ever wondered the story behind why 7^th January becomes a holiday?

Ghana’s Independence

Ghana, formerly known as Gold Coast, declared independence from Britain on March 6, 1957. The country became a republic on July 1, 1960, and on July 3, 1960, the first president of Ghana was inaugurated.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah wanted to declare himself the president for life in 1966 but was dethroned by a coup de tat led by Joseph Arthur Ankrah.

Ghana’s Constitution

On 7^th January, 19557, Ghana’s constitution was signed and drafted. From there, it became the laws that were used to govern the country. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. J.B Danquah, who played an essential role in Ghana’s independence from British rule are also celebrated on that day.

Why 7^th January is a holiday in Ghana

The 7^th of January celebrates the first anniversary of Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957. On this day, Ghanaians celebrate all that they have achieved, and what they aspire to achieve in the future, as a free nation.

It is an opportunity to reflect on how far they have come and also how much farther they still have to go to achieve true greatness as a country and people.

Today, Ghana is one of Africa’s leading nations both politically and economically but has taken many years of struggle and hard work to get there from that first uncertain step toward independence in 1957.

Who is the first president of the 4^th republic?

Ghana’s fourth republic came into effect on January 7^th, 1993 after presidential and parliamentary elections were held in December 1992.

Jerry John Rawlings was the first president of the fourth Republic of Ghana after PNDC government rule came to a halt. Rawlings in January 1993 agreed on a peaceful transition from being a military ruler to an elected president and the first of the fourth republic.

Who made constitution day a holiday in Ghana?

Ghana’s Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, on Friday, January 7, 2022, announced the day as a statutory non-working public holiday. A national holiday is a national asset; however, the sitting president decides whether it will be observed or not.

How many holidays do we have in Ghana?

Ghana observes approximately 13 national holidays in each calendar year. The major one among them is Independence Day which is celebrated on 6^th March to honor the memory of Ghana’s freedom from their colonial masters.

Summary

Why Ghana celebrates 7^th January as a national holiday has been carefully explained in this article for your understanding.