Easter Monday in Ghana
Easter Monday is a public holiday in Ghana and falls on the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is part of the Christian Easter observance, while one regional festival also begins on the day.[1][2][3]
A national public holiday
Ghana’s Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act lists Easter Monday among the public holidays observed throughout the Republic. The Ghana Revenue Authority describes it as a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus’ resurrection, giving the day both national legal status and religious significance.[1][2]
The holiday moves with Easter rather than falling on a fixed calendar date. As a Monday holiday, it follows Easter Sunday and comes after Good Friday, which Ghana also recognizes as a public holiday.[1][2]
Religious meaning and regional tradition
For Christians, Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection. Ghana’s official holiday information identifies that meaning for Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday.[2]
Easter Monday also coincides with a local cultural festival in Ghana’s Central Region. The National Commission on Culture describes Odunkwaa as a week-long festival that begins on Easter Monday and ends on Saturday with a durbar of chiefs. This is a regional example; it does not establish that the festival is observed across the country.[3]
What to expect
Because Easter Monday is a nationwide public holiday, ordinary business schedules may change. Ghana’s holiday law restricts opening shops for selling or trading on public holidays, while making exceptions for businesses such as food shops, pharmacies, licensed restaurants and hotels, local food markets, and essential public services.[1]
The law does not mean that every service closes. Check directly with a specific office, bank, shop or transport operator before making plans, since the cited sources do not set out Easter Monday opening hours or transport schedules.[1]
Easter Monday in Ghana: FAQs
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Ghana?
Yes. Ghana’s law lists Easter Monday as a public holiday throughout the Republic.[1]
When does Easter Monday fall?
It falls on the Monday after Easter Sunday. Its calendar date changes from year to year because it follows Easter.[2]
Are shops and services open?
The law generally restricts shops from trading on public holidays, with exceptions including food shops, pharmacies, restaurants, hotels, local food markets and essential services. Confirm hours with the place or provider you plan to visit.[1]
Is there a special event in Ghana on Easter Monday?
The National Commission on Culture says the Odunkwaa Festival begins on Easter Monday and culminates on Saturday with a durbar of chiefs. This is a regional festival, rather than a nationwide custom.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Ghana:
- Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (as amended)- Parliament of Ghana
- Official Public Holidays- Ghana Revenue Authority
- Festivals List- National Commission on Culture