Monday, May 27, has been declared a public holiday to commemorate Africa Day which falls on Saturday, May 25.

An Executive Instrument signed by the President on Friday said this the decision was taken to give greater significance to the celebration of the Day and sensitise Ghanaians on the achievements and prospects of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Foreign Affairs Minister, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang announced government(quote)s decision at a press briefing in Accra in connection with the 39th Africa Day. Parliament last week approved Saturday, May 25, a public holiday in connection with the Africa Day.

Mr. Owusu-Agyemang said since the day falls on a weekend, the President declared Monday May 27 a public holiday to heighten the importance of the day and to make it people-centred. He said government was committed to African unity and had planned a number of activities to mark the day. As a prelude, Muslims and Christians have been asked to pray for peace for the nation and Africa. There would also be a show at the National Theatre, flag-raising ceremony and a reception in honour of African ambassadors and high commissioners in Ghana.

The African Union, which is expected to replace the OAU will be inaugurated in Durban, South Africa, in July. Its statutory bodies would be composed of the Assembly of Heads of State, the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers, the Pan African Parliament, the Court of Justice called the Commission, a Permanent Representative Committee and specialised technical committees.

The OAU has often be criticized for not performing as expected but Mr. Owusu-Agyemang said despite the delays in achieving the primary objectives of the OAU to liberate Africa from imperialism and colonialism, the organisation helped achieve independence for African nations.