All Catholic schools and offices of the Catholic Education Unit throughout Ghana are set to observe today, May 9th, 2024, as Ascension Day and an obligatory holy day, according to a directive issued by the Catholic Education Unit.
Ms. Araba Ahima Bentum, the General Manager/Director of the Catholic Education Unit, conveyed this decision in a letter addressed to the Director General of the Ghana Education Service headquarters in Accra.
According to the letter dated May 6, the development is in accordance with previous approvals dating back to February 8th, 1957. Which mandates all Catholic schools and offices to close for the day in observance of Ascension Day.
“I wish to inform you that all Catholic Schools and offices of the Catholic Education Unit throughout the country will observe Thursday 09th May, 2024 as Ascension Day and Obligatory Holy day,” the letter said.
Regional Managers of the Catholic Education Unit offices, along with chaplains in Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions, have been tasked with ensuring that the day is observed accordingly.
“Regional Managers of the Catholic Education Unit offices as well as the chaplains in the Senior High Schools and Tertiary institutions must ensure that the day is observed as such. All Catholic Schools across the country will therefore be on holiday for the observation of the Ascension day,” the letter added.
Ascension Day commemorates the ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. For Catholics, it marks the culmination of the Easter season and the conclusion of Christ’s earthly ministry.