President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has declared the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024, as his final challenge before retiring from office on January 7, 2025.
Speaking at a banquet with senior citizens at the Jubilee House on August 5, 2024, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that this election will be his last significant endeavour after nearly eight years in office.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo reflected on his tenure, noting that, like his predecessors Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, it has been a profound honour to serve two terms as President.
He highlighted the challenges faced during his presidency, including navigating the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have endured difficult times but are beginning to see recovery and renewed growth. Our economy was once among the fastest-growing globally, and we aim to regain that status,” he said.
The President committed to ensuring a peaceful and fair election process, underscoring the importance of maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.
“The people of Ghana deserve a transparent and free election process. It is my responsibility to uphold this commitment with the support of all Ghanaians,” Akufo-Addo added.
Founders Day Observance
August 4 is observed as Founders Day in Ghana. This public holiday was introduced through amendments to the Public Holiday Act in 2018 under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
The day commemorates the contributions of generations of Ghanaians to the country’s independence struggle.
The Public Holidays Amendment Bill of 2018, which led to this change, also established September 21 as Memorial Day for Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The amendments replaced the Republic Holiday on July 1, the African Union Holiday on May 25, and the previous Founders’ Day on September 21.
August 4 was chosen for its historical significance. It marks the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947, a key moment in Ghana’s journey to independence.
The UGCC, established by prominent figures including George Alfred Grant and J.B. Danquah, played a pivotal role in the fight for Ghana’s freedom.
Despite its official status, Founders Day remains a point of contention, with opposition parties such as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Convention People’s Party (CPP) suggesting they reconsider the holiday if they come into power.
