President John Mahama has proposed the introduction of a second public holiday for Eid al-Fitr, marking an unprecedented move to celebrate the Muslim festival of breaking the fast. Speaking at a National Muslim prayer and thanksgiving service, the President highlighted his administration’s commitment to religious inclusivity and support for the Muslim community in Ghana.
“The celebration of Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion for Muslims across our nation, and I believe that adding an additional day to the festivities will allow for greater celebration and fellowship,” Mahama stated. This proposal would make Ghana one of the few countries to officially recognize two public holidays for Eid al-Fitr, reflecting a policy of religious tolerance and respect for cultural practices.
Alongside this announcement, President Mahama also unveiled plans to make the Hajj pilgrimage more accessible and affordable for Ghanaian Muslims. He spoke of negotiations with Saudi authorities and local stakeholders to reduce costs associated with the pilgrimage, thereby ensuring that more Ghanaians can undertake this significant religious journey.
“Our aim is to remove financial barriers to Hajj, making it a feasible spiritual journey for all who wish to go. We are working on sustainable solutions to lower costs without compromising the sanctity and quality of the experience,” Mahama added. This initiative includes exploring subsidies, partnerships with travel agencies, and potentially government-backed Hajj travel packages.
These announcements have been met with enthusiasm by the Muslim community, who see this as a step towards greater recognition and support of their religious practices. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the economic implications of an additional public holiday, though supporters argue that the cultural and social benefits outweigh these concerns.
The proposal for the second Eid al-Fitr holiday and the Hajj affordability plan are expected to be tabled in the next parliamentary session for discussion and potential legislation. This move is part of President Mahama’s broader agenda to foster unity, inclusiveness, and religious harmony in Ghana.