Ghana’s New Holidays Amendment May Fuel Local Tourism, But Disposable Income Still Holds the Key

Ghana’s new Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Act, 2025, has officially been passed by Parliament, introducing what could become a turning point in how the country balances work, rest, and leisure.

Among the most strategic changes in the amended law is the government’s decision to shift some weekday holidays to weekends, an effort to minimise productivity loss during the working week while freeing up uninterrupted time for rest, travel, and events.

On the surface, this adjustment offers clear tourism potential. Longer weekends may provide just enough breathing room for Ghanaians to explore destinations beyond their immediate communities, attend extended cultural events, or simply unwind outside of the usual hustle. Event organisers, too, stand to benefit, as back-to-back days off offer room for multi-day festivals, conferences, and tourism-linked celebrations to thrive without competing with the regular work schedule.

The move also has behavioural implications. Anyone familiar with the Ghanaian work rhythm knows that when a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the day before or after often suffers from a “letagic” or half-productive atmosphere. By pushing holidays to weekends, the government may be trying to tackle this quietly unproductive in-between time, keeping the workweek focused while opening room for deliberate rest elsewhere.

But the bigger question is: will this new arrangement truly translate into more domestic tourism activity, or will the impact be muted by economic realities?

This is where the conversation deepens. The potential gains of this calendar reform hinge not just on time, but also on affordability. For many Ghanaians, the ability to travel, book a hotel, or attend a paid event is a function of disposable income, and right now, that income is under pressure.

Transportation costs have been volatile. Hospitality facilities are increasingly priced out of reach for average families. And with inflationary pressures still lingering, leisure remains a luxury many cannot consistently afford.

So, while the legislative intention is clear, the outcomes are not guaranteed. It raises a strategic dilemma: Should the country treat this as just a calendar amendment, or deliberately shape it into a tool for driving local tourism and domestic economic activity?

For instance, could tourism authorities work with district assemblies and the private sector to create “long weekend packages” that are budget-friendly for Ghanaian families? Could intercity transport be subsidised or standardised during these extended weekends? Should regional tourism campaigns be tied directly to these restructured holidays, encouraging residents to explore cultural, ecological, and historical sites in nearby districts?

Nonetheless, the reform marks a significant window for tourism growth, if deliberately harnessed. With longer weekends now baked into the national calendar, tourism agencies, local governments, and the private sector have a rare chance to develop targeted campaigns and affordable experiences that encourage movement and exploration. This is a structural opportunity to breathe new life into domestic tourism and local economies.

Read More