Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, has criticized the number of public holidays in the country, suggesting they are hindering economic development.
In a discussion on TV3’s The Big Issue on Tuesday, August 6, Dr Asah-Asante argued that Ghana’s extensive list of holidays needs to be reviewed and streamlined.
“There are too many holidays in Ghana. We should review them and eliminate unnecessary ones,” he said.
Dr Asah-Asante’s comments were part of a broader conversation about Founders’ Day, a holiday established in 2019 to honour the collective efforts of those who contributed to Ghana’s independence.
This day, observed on August 4, replaced the previous August 1 observance of Emancipation Day.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s 2024 Founders’ Day address highlighted the importance of recognizing the collective struggle for independence rather than attributing it to a single individual.
President Akufo-Addo has emphasized that Ghana’s independence was achieved through the combined efforts of many, not solely through Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions.
While acknowledging Nkrumah’s significant role, the President stated, “It is important to recognize that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations.”
The President’s address was in response to ongoing debates about the role of Nkrumah in Ghana’s founding. Some groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the shift from celebrating Nkrumah’s contributions to a more collective recognition.
Dr. Asah-Asante supports President Akufo-Addo’s view, agreeing that Ghana’s independence resulted from various contributions, including those from other prominent figures and organizations such as the British West African Nation Congress and the United Gold Coast Convention.
Dr. Asah-Asante’s critique of Ghana’s holiday schedule underscores concerns about balancing national celebrations with economic priorities.
The call for a reassessment of public holidays reflects a broader discussion on managing national observances while fostering economic growth.
