Ghana’s president & National Chief Imam at an event. Image Credit: Presidency Ghana
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to designate Eid al-Fitr as an additional public holiday in Ghana, according to a statement from the presidency.
The decision, which is subject to parliamentary approval, aims to give Muslims in Ghana more time to celebrate the significant occasion without worrying about work or school commitments.
“Eid al-Fitr is a significant occasion for Muslims in Ghana, and this decision will allow them to observe their faith and connect with their community without any distractions,” said a spokesperson for the presidency.
The proposed holiday is part of a broader initiative to amend the Public Holidays Act, which will also see the reinstatement of July 1 as a national holiday. This move is intended to honor Ghana’s transition to self-governance and promote national unity.
Muslims in Ghana have long faced challenges in observing Eid al-Fitr, particularly when it falls on a busy day. The additional holiday is expected to be well-received by the Muslim community, who will now have more opportunities to observe their faith and connect with their community.
Furthermore, the introduction of an additional public holiday for Eid al-Fitr is also expected to help address the challenges associated with moon sighting, which can sometimes lead to uncertainty about the exact date of the celebration.
With an extra day off, Muslims in Ghana can celebrate with greater ease and flexibility.
The development is seen as a significant step forward for Muslim communities in Ghana, promoting a more inclusive and diverse society.
