John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 elections, has made a significant promise to Ghana’s Muslim community.
During his campaign tour in Gambaga and Nalerigu in the North East Region on Wednesday, October 2, Mahama vowed to introduce a two-day Eid-ul Fitr holiday if elected as president.
This pledge aims to address concerns within the Muslim community regarding the challenge of fully observing the holiday, which can vary based on the moon’s sighting.
Mahama’s commitment is part of his broader plan to support the religious practices of Muslims in Ghana, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all citizens.
He emphasized the importance of unity, understanding, and fair representation for every Ghanaian, regardless of their faith or background, as part of his vision for the country.
“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.”
He expressed concerns about projects which were started during his administration but have been abandoned by the Akufo-Addo government.
Mahama assured Ghanaians that he would resume all abandoned projects and reset the damaged economy when voted into power.
“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.
“It is unfortunate that projects started by my administration remain abandoned. We will resume them and also complete those started by this government.”
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.
These are Tashreeq (a day after the Eid-al-Adha Festival) and Shaqq (a day before the Eid-al-Fitr).
The bill was submitted to the Clerk of Parliament on Wednesday, 29th November 2023, and is currently being processed.
