President John Dramani Mahama has declared two public holidays will be observed at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
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.
Speaking during the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving Service, John Mahama stated, “We are going to amend the Holidays Act to include an extra holiday on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and so this year after we finish the fast for Ramadan, we will have two holidays for the Sallah festivities”.
John Mahama has finally revealed he has directed the amendment to the Public Holidays Act to include an additional holiday in celebration of Eid ul-Fitr.
President Mahama declared this during the sod-cutting ceremony for the new Hajj Village on Friday, February 28.
John Mahama stated, “I am pleased to announce that I have instructed the legal counsel at the presidency, Madam Marietta Brew, to amend the Public Holidays Act to allow for an additional holiday in celebration of Eid ul-Fitr”.
“From this year onwards, two public holidays will be observed at the end of the holy month of Ramadan”, he added.
President Mahama’s decision has been widely welcomed by the Muslim community who have long encouraged extra appreciation of their religious commemorations.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians have been divided in opinion with some expressing their displeasure of Mahama’s plans to amend the Holidays Act.
One X user stated, “This does not sound like any of your promises to Ghanaians ooo. The Zongo need development, not holidays”, another stated, “We have voted NPP out because aren’t doing anything and this is what you are also up to. U promised us zongo development not holiday”.
Another social media also stated that those condemning the move must read to understand the need for two days, “It’s the way some people are in the comments condemning this for me. Instead of being quick to criticize, why not read extensively to find out why it is necessary to have two days instead of one? Sigh!”.
Additionally, one user also praised John Mahama’s move as a step to validate Islamic traditions, saying, “This step validates Islamic traditions and highlights the significant contributions of the Muslim community to national development. I strongly agree with him”.
