Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, has sparked a debate by advocating for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s numerous public holidays.
He argues that the excessive number of holidays hinders economic growth and productivity, urging the government to eliminate unnecessary ones.
During a discussion on TV3’s “The Big Issue” on August 6, Dr. Asah-Asante concurred with President Akufo-Addo’s assertion that Ghana’s founding cannot be attributed to a single individual.
He emphasized the collective efforts of various groups, organizations, and individuals who contributed to the country’s independence.
President Akufo-Addo’s 2024 Founders’ Day address rejected the notion of a sole founder, acknowledging the contributions of multiple generations and organizations, such as the Aborigines Rights Protection, the British West African Nation Congress, and the United Gold Coast Convention.
He recognized Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s significant role in the final lap of the independence struggle while highlighting the importance of collective recognition.
The establishment of August 4 as Founders’ Day in 2019, honoring the collective independence struggle, and September 21 as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, has sparked debates about Nkrumah’s singular role in Ghana’s founding.
Dr. Asah-Asante’s call for a holiday review aligns with the need to reassess Ghana’s historical narrative and acknowledge the diverse contributions to its independence.
By reevaluating the holiday calendar and recognizing the collective efforts of Ghana’s founding, the country can promote a more inclusive understanding of its history and foster economic growth.
