We’ll have 2 holidays for Eid al-Fitr celebrations this year – Mahama assures

President John Dramani Mahama intends to introduce an additional holiday for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, fulfilling a campaign promise he made earlier to enhance recognition of Islamic festivities in Ghana.

The president made this announcement during a national Muslim prayer and thanksgiving event held at the National Mosque in Kanda in Accra on Friday, January 10, 2025.

“As part of our promises, we assured the Muslim community of adding one more holiday to the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Once Parliament resumes, we will amend the Holidays Act to officially recognise an additional day for the Sallah festivities,” Mr. Mahama said.

This means that after the end of Ramadan fasting, Ghanaians will have two public holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Mr. Mahama assured that the necessary legislative processes would be expedited to ensure the change is implemented this year.

He also reiterated his earlier promise that his administration would make the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable for Muslims.

The president further revealed that a five-member Hajj task force, led by Asutifi South MP Collins Dauda, has been formed to make the Hajj pilgrimage easier for all Muslims.

The task force will travel to Saudi Arabia next week to participate in the annual Hajj conference.

“One of their primary responsibilities is to negotiate arrangements that will drastically reduce Hajj fares. This will enable more Muslims who wish to perform the pilgrimage to fulfil this religious obligation,” he added.