Will Ghanaians and Ghana as a nation enjoy any benefits as a result of moving all holidays to Mondays and Fridays? This is the question this article seeks to answer.

The constitutional backing and proposal to change the holidays from midweek for Fridays and weekend holidays to Mondays in Ghana have several significant advantages worth exploiting.

Effective July 2025, all holidays in Ghana will either be observed on Mondays or Fridays if they do not originally fall on these two days.

What Are The Benefits Of Moving Holidays To Mondays and Fridays in Ghana

The adjustment in days on which holidays are observed in Ghana has the potential to impact the country economically, socially and culturally, creating a more balanced and productive environment for the country. In the following paragraphs, we will take a careful look at the economic, social and cultural benefits of the changes for both the country and its people.

The economic benefits

From an economic perspective, the mid-week holiday transition to Fridays can increase productivity and increase economic activities. Midweek holidays, such as Republic Day or EID celebrations may interrupt the flow of work, usually leading to productivity interruptions. By moving these holidays to Fridays, workers and companies can enjoy a long weekend. This change can decrease absenteeism, as workers will be more inclined to be present during the work week, leading to greater efficiency and production. In addition, an elongated weekend offers greater opportunity for people to get involved in economic activities such as shopping, dinner and participating in local events, thus encouraging consumer spending. Local companies, particularly those of the hospitality and entertainment sectors, should benefit considerably, as customers are more likely to take advantage of their time off when it aligns with a longer break.

In addition, the weekend change to Mondays can produce similar benefits. By extending the weekend, families and communities will have more time to engage in recreational activities, which promotes a more innovative and dynamic atmosphere. This is particularly beneficial in Ghana, where social life and community bonds are essential. Families can travel, celebrate, or engage in various activities that may not be viable during a traditional weekend. In addition, longer weekends can encourage local tourism, as families choose to visit regional attractions or explore the diverse cultural heritage of their own country. This domestic tourism meets the local economy and contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of the cultural and historical distinctions of Ghana.

The social benefits

The new law will directly impact the scheduling of several of Ghana’s public holidays, creating standardized three-day weekends. This change is expected to have a tangible effect on the planning and attendance of cultural events such as funerals, weddings, and festivals, which are cornerstones of Ghanaian social life and are often held on weekends. Proponents of the bill argue that aligning public holidays with weekends will lead to increased patronage of these events, fostering greater intercultural exchange and preserving Ghana’s rich heritage.

An analysis by the Ghana Tourism Authority indicates that domestic tourism spending sees a significant uptick during extended weekends. This suggests that the new holiday structure could provide a consistent boost to local economies as more Ghanaians are incentivized to travel for leisure, visit family, or participate in cultural festivals across the country’s diverse regions. The hospitality, transportation, and creative arts sectors are among those poised to benefit from this anticipated increase in domestic travel and cultural engagement.

However, the move has not been without its detractors. The Minority in Parliament voiced strong opposition to the bill’s passage under a certificate of urgency, arguing that the government’s focus should be on more pressing national concerns such as economic hardship and unemployment. Concerns have also been raised about potential disruptions to business operations and the impact on overall productivity, particularly for industries that operate on a continuous basis.

READ: Friday July 4th Declared Public Holiday

While the government contends that the measure will ultimately enhance productivity by reducing mid-week disruptions and fostering a more rested and motivated workforce, the long-term economic effects remain a subject of debate. The success of this new holiday policy will likely depend on the ability of businesses to adapt their operational models and the extent to which the anticipated benefits in the tourism and cultural sectors materialize to offset any potential losses in other areas of the economy. The nation now watches to see if these extended weekends will truly translate into a richer cultural life and a more robust domestic economy.

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