The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for 2024, John Dramani Mahama, has promised the Muslim community in Ghana something extremely significant.
On October 2, Mahama pledged to establish a two-day Eid-ul Fitr holiday if elected president, while on a campaign visit to the North East Region towns of Gambaga and Nalerigu.
With regard to the difficulty of fully following the holiday, which can change depending on the sighting of the moon, this vow attempts to allay worries within the Muslim community.
Mahama’s pledge fits into a larger strategy to uphold Muslims’ religious traditions in Ghana and promote an atmosphere that is courteous and inclusive of all people.
As part of his vision for Ghana, he highlighted the significance of harmony, understanding, and equitable representation for all Ghanaians, irrespective of their heritage or religion.
“We are going to add one more holiday to the Eid-ul Fitr holiday. After fasting, sometimes there is confusion. Some people pray on one day, and others pray on the other day because they didn’t see the moon or they saw the moon.
“So we are adding one more day so that whether you break the fast today or you break the fast tomorrow, you get a holiday to rest and celebrate the Eid-ul Fitr.”
“Thank you Gambaga and Nalerigu for the warm and brotherly welcome to the North East Region. As I assured the chiefs and people during my visits to the Gambaga and Nayiri’s palaces, I will work tirelessly to reset the damaged economy, and ensure the improvement of the living conditions of all Ghanaians.
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, in December 2023, initiated a new bill to amend the country’s Public Holidays Act 2001, Act 601, by providing an additional two Islamic public holidays.
