Founders Day, as celebrated in Ghana, holds historical importance because it marks the celebration of the contributions of Ghanaians who played pivotal roles in leading the country to freedom from colonial rule.
The day was previously celebrated on September 21, a date that also marked the birthday of the first president of Ghana, the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The decision to change this date was presented by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who proposed amendments to the Public Holiday Act in 2018.
Presented by the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, in 2018, the proposal led to the cancellation of three existing public holidays and the introduction of two new ones. Founders’ Day was selected to be celebrated on August 4, while September 21 was set aside as a memorial day for Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in recognition of his significant role in the fight for Ghana’s independence.
The other two holidays affected by the amendment were Republic Day, previously observed on July 1, and African Union (AU) Day, observed on May 25.
According to the bill’s explanation, August 4 was chosen to replace Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day because this was the day when Ghana’s independence movement began in 1947. On this date, Ghanaian patriots such as George Alfred Grant, J.B. Danquah, R.A. Awoonor-Williams, Edward Akufo-Addo, Ebenezer Ako Adjei, and various chiefs formed the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
Addressing the nation on August 3rd, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reiterated the importance of the date chosen for the celebration of Founders Day.
He said, “I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by 1 man. While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge for our self-respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations.”
He further highlighted his government’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming election in December is free, fair, credible and transparent.
