President John Mahama has declared his plan to make July 1 a formal public holiday again, giving it the same importance as Ghana's Senior Citizens Day and Republic Day.

In order to provide Ghanaians a chance to show gratitude for the country's advancements, President Mahama suggested that July 1 be designated as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving during his Thank You tour to the Western Region on Wednesday, February 5.

“We will have the opportunity as a nation soon to pray and give thanks to the Almighty God, as enjoined by the Holy Book that says, ‘In all things, give thanks,’” he stated.

Mr. Mahama declared that he would designate a committee of religious leaders to supervise the event's preparations in order to guarantee a well-planned observance.

He also affirmed that in order to reinstate July 1 as a statutory holiday, changes to the Public Holidays Act will be submitted to Parliament.

"We will soon present to Parliament amendments to the Public Holidays Act in order that we can restore July 1 as a holiday."

"In the amendments of the Republic Holidays Act, we shall also make provisions to fulfill our promise to the Muslim community of an extra holiday to mark the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr," President Mahama said.