Ghanaians marked the day as Founder’s Day returns in Ghana, celebrating the birthday of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana. The holiday took place on Saturday, September 21, after President John Mahama reinstated it with an Executive Instrument under the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act.
The holiday has stirred debate for years. In 2009, President John Evans Atta Mills declared September 21 as Founder’s Day during Nkrumah’s centenary. In 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shifted the celebration. He proposed August 4 as “Founders Day” to honour nine leaders of the independence movement. September 21 then became “Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day.”
This year’s restoration drew praise from groups like the Western Nzema Youth League (WNYL). Members said the change does more than restore a date. They believe it corrects history and affirms Nkrumah’s role in Ghana’s independence and Pan-African identity.
Dr. Patrick Ekye Kwesie, WNYL’s leader, said earlier changes dishonoured Nkrumah. He compared the treatment to that of a “prophet without honour” in his homeland. With the holiday back, Ghanaians view it as a call to uphold values Nkrumah lived for—unity, freedom, and self-determination.
