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John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 elections, has made a significant pledge to Ghana’s Muslim community. During his campaign tour in Gambaga and Nalerigu in the North East Region on Wednesday, October 2, Mahama promised to introduce a two-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday if elected president.
This proposal is intended to address concerns within the Muslim community regarding the challenges of observing the holiday, which can vary depending on the sighting of the moon. By extending the holiday to two days, Mahama aims to ensure that all Muslims, regardless of when they observe the end of Ramadan, have adequate time to celebrate.
“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,” Mahama explained.
This commitment is part of his broader vision to create an inclusive environment for all Ghanaians, promoting unity and respect for religious diversity. Mahama emphasized the importance of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their faith or background, is fairly represented.
In addition to his promise to the Muslim community, Mahama expressed concern about abandoned projects initiated during his presidency, which have not been completed under the Akufo-Addo administration. He assured the people that if elected, he would resume these projects and focus on revitalizing the economy.
“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,” he stated.
Mahama also criticized the current government for leaving many important initiatives unfinished. “It is unfortunate that projects started by my administration remain abandoned. We will resume them and also complete those started by this government,” he promised.
In a related development, Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu has proposed a new bill to amend the Public Holidays Act 2001 (Act 601) to add two more Islamic public holidays: Tashreeq (a day after Eid-ul-Adha) and Shaqq (a day before Eid-ul-Fitr). This bill, submitted to the Clerk of Parliament in November 2023, is currently under consideration.
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