President John Dramami Mahama, has promised the Muslim Community in Ghana an additional holiday to be added to holidays of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
The additional holiday, according to the president, is to address the challenges the Muslim Community faces with scheduling. This promise was part of the concerns submitted to the president in the lead up to the 2024 elections by the leadership of the Muslim Community.
Some Muslim Scholars had earlier proposed a two-day holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr commemoration. The Islamic calendar, which operates on lunar cycles, presents challenges in alignment with the Gregorian calendar. They argue that Islamic tradition dictates that a month consists of either 29 or 30 days, with the sighting of the moon marking the beginning or end of each month.
This, according to some Muslim Scholars, present a dilemma particularly with the requirement to inform the government in advance to declare a holiday.
But, President Mahama says, his government has resolved to amend the Holidays Act to grant Muslims in Ghana a two-day holiday for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
“We promise to add one more holiday to the Eid-ul-Fitr. So, as soon as parliament settles, we are going to amend the Holidays Act”, Mr. Mahama enthusiastically chimed to a joyous Muslim crowd at his Muslim Thanksgiving event which took place on Friday 10th of January, 2024 at National Mosque, Kanda.
John Dramani Mahama, during his campaigns in the lead up to the 2024 elections in places like Gambaga and Nalerigu in the North East Region of Ghana had reiterated that this policy change is part of a greater scheme to ensure inclusiveness and appreciation for religious practices of all Ghanaians.
The President said, he is indebted to the Muslim community for the support he received during the 2024 elections and is ready to ensure all their concerns added to his campaign manifesto are fully addressed.
Sefah-Danquah
