By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Government of Ghana has officially declared Friday, January 9, 2026, as a statutory public holiday to be observed nationwide in commemoration of Constitution Day.
Constitution Day is traditionally marked on January 7, which commemorates the coming into force of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the birth of the Fourth Republic. However, in 2026, January 7 falls on a Wednesday, prompting the President to move the public observance to Friday.
The declaration was announced in a press release issued on January 2, 2026, and signed by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (MP).
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the declaration was made by Executive Instrument (E.I.) in line with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601), as amended. The public is therefore expected to observe Friday, January 9, 2026, as a holiday throughout the country.
First Anniversary of the Mahama Administration.
This year’s observance of Constitution Day holds added significance as it coincides with the first anniversary of the current administration. In his New Year message delivered on January 1, President John Dramani Mahama noted that January 7, 2026, marks exactly one year since he took the “sacred oath” of office as President of the Republic of Ghana.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to the 1992 Constitution, pledging to implement key recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee as part of efforts to further consolidate Ghana’s democratic governance. He described his administration’s governance approach as a “Reset”, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability, and restoring public trust.Call for Appropriate Observance
The Ministry of the Interior has urged all citizens to observe Constitution Day appropriately, as the nation reflects on its democratic journey since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1993.
Constitution Day remains one of Ghana’s key commemorative days, highlighting the importance of constitutional rule, democratic stability, and respect for the rule of law.
