Is Ghana’s New Holiday Policy a Threat to Productivity?

Productivity Jul 4, 2025

By Francis Angbabora Baaladong

The recent amendment to Ghana’s Public Holidays Act, where holidays on weekdays are moved to Fridays and weekends to the next Monday, has ignited a debate. The ostensibly progressive policy aims to foster longer weekends, encouraging leisure and family time. Yet, as pleasing as this seems, the economic undercurrents could be profound.

The Appeal of Long Weekends

On paper, longer weekends are tempting. Families get more bonding time, and domestic tourism might see a rise. For individuals, the break offers chance to unwind after a hectic work week. However, national productivity may bear the brunt in a fragile economy where each day’s output crucially contributes to overall growth. According to Modern Ghana, such policies, despite their surface allure, could lead to hidden costs.

Disruptions to Structured Work Weeks

Ghana’s structured workweek, carefully planned by institutions and businesses, faces a potential upheaval. Shifting holidays disrupts established schedules, leading to missed deadlines and overall chaos. This isn’t merely a one-day holiday but rather a ripple effect impacting the entire week.

The “Holiday Mood” Phenomenon

With holidays creeping towards weekends, a lax “holiday mood” spreads among workers, potentially dampening productivity from Thursday to the subsequent Tuesday. This slump poses a severe macroeconomic challenge, especially as Ghana combats pressing issues like youth unemployment and public debt.

Contradictions with the 24-hour Economy Vision

The policy starkly contradicts the government’s ambition of fostering a 24-hour economy, which thrives on continuous productivity. Extending rest periods undermines efforts towards this transformative vision, inadvertently turning it into a hollow chant.

Striking a Balance

While rest and holidays fortify mental health and national identity, balance is crucial. Instead, holidays could retain their original dates, with institutions offered discretion on how to adapt, possibly through optional long weekends aligned with strategic national goals.

Final Thoughts

The juxtaposition between productivity and convenience comes to the fore as Ghana navigates its developmental journey. Policies must extend beyond mere appearances, making genuine economic sense. The question remains: Are Ghanaians unwittingly trading productivity for ephemeral pleasure? The nation’s watchful eyes remain fixated on this unfolding narrative.

Ghanaians are watching!!!