Former President John Dramani Mahama has described as questionable the new day set aside by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as Founder’s Day.

He bemoaned the fact that the 59-year-old republic day which was also a day to honour citizens for their meritorious contributions to the country has since been scrapped denying them the opportunity to be appreciated.

In a Facebook post commemorating the day which is no longer a holiday, he said

"Happy 59th Republic Day!

59 years ago, our beloved Ghana became a Republic and acquired true political independence from the shackles of colonialism.

As a result, we reclaimed for ourselves true political sovereignty. We entrenched equality before the law and emphasised that, the people of Ghana shall be the ultimate source of all political power.

On this memorable day, I congratulate all senior citizens for the significant sacrifices they have made over the decades in nurturing our dear nation to this current stage.

I, also, salute our forbearers who fought to establish Ghana’s name in history as the Black Star of Africa and the “Beacon of Hope” for African liberation and integration.

Sadly, this significant page in our history has been revised by the Akufo Addo administration through the recent Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019, (Act 989).

By this act, the NPP Government has expunged Republic day, also commemorated as ‘Senior Citizens Day’ from the list of public holidays and replaced it with a questionable founders’ day holiday on August 4th.

As we reflect on the deeper undercurrents of our present political and economic challenges, let us dedicate ourselves to the patriotic and nationalistic ideals that led to the creation of our dear nation as a Republic, and await the vindication of the true history of our country, Ghana.

Once again, happy 59th Republic Day!

Happy Senior Citizens Day!