President Akufo-Addo through an Executive Instrument has declared Monday, December 7 as a public holiday.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the President said the decision is to facilitate the electoral process which will be conducted amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Presidency, the move will also ensure strict observance of the safety protocols on election day and enable registered voters to exercise their franchise in safety and with minimal inconvenience.

"Under section 3 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601), the President has the power to declare any other day as a public holiday, instead of a day specified as a statutory public holiday."

President Akufo-Addo also noted that since the nation has already observed the Farmers Day celebration in November, it will be inexpedient for Friday, 4th December 2020, which is a statutory public holiday, to be observed as a public holiday.

As such, he added that "Friday, 4th December 2020, will not be observed as a holiday."

Earlier today, political parties at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting agreed with the Electoral Commission's proposal to the Chief of Staff to make December 7, a holiday.

The EC explained that its proposal sought to “give registered voters the opportunity to devote the day to exercise their civic right and responsibility to vote during the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.”