The President, John Evans Atta Mills, will by Executive Instrument declare 21st of this month a public holiday. The holiday will commemorate the 100th birthday of the first President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Director of Communication at the presidency Koku Anyidoho, told Joy News’ Stephen Anti the day has been set aside to recognize the heroic works of Dr. Nkrumah and to “position him as somebody who led the independent struggle, somebody who was the first president of the Republic of Ghana and then situate history in its proper context.” Critics have argued such a holiday will play down the efforts of some of the front liners, particularly members of the big six, whose invaluable contributions led to Ghana’s independence on 6th March 1957. But Mr. Anyidoho said the 6th of March which is celebrated every year, recognizes the contributions of all the heroes who contributed to make Ghana the first country south of the Sahara to gain independence from colonial rule. He said the president would want to declare the 21st of September a public holiday to eulogize only Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The declaration falls in line with the President’s earlier address to Parliament in which he hinted at his government’s plans to mark the centenary celebrations of the first president. Already, the Prof. Akilakpa Sawyer-led Committee charged with planning the celebrations has been given an initial sum of GH¢2 million for the celebrations. Mr. Anyidoho said after this year’s celebrations, government will proceed to parliament to pass into law the celebration of 21st September as a public holiday. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana