President Akufo-Addo declares December 7 a public holiday

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has declared Monday, December 7 as a public holiday.

A statement from the Presidency said the order is to “facilitate the electoral process which will be conducted amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the government, the action will also ensure strict observance of the COVID-19 safety protocols on election day and enable registered voters to exercise their franchise in safety and with minimal inconvenience.

The decision was was taken following the submission proposal to the President by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa.

The proposal was supported by the Inter-Party Committee(IPAC).

“Under section 3 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601), the President has the power to declare any other day as a public holiday, instead of a day specified as a statutory public holiday.”

Thus,with Farmers Day having been celebrated on Friday, 6th November 2020, the President is satisfied that it will be inexpedient for Friday, 4th December 2020, which is a statutory public holiday, to be observed as a public holiday.

As such, Friday, 4th December 2020, will not be observed as a holiday.”

The EC disclosed that its proposal sought to “give registered voters the opportunity to devote the day to exercise their civic right and responsibility to vote during the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.”