President John Dramani Mahama has marked the celebration of Eid al-Adha with a heartfelt call for peace across the globe.
Speaking at the national Eid al-Adha prayers held at Black Star Square in Accra, he urged citizens to include in their prayers regions affected by conflict, such as Bawku in Ghana, Sudan, Ukraine, and Russia.
“Let’s hold onto hope and remember that Ghana is a shared home for all of us,” Mahama emphasized in his address.
He noted that Eid al-Adha is not solely about the ritual sacrifice but also about empathy, generosity, and community spirit. He reminded those who had performed the animal sacrifice to distribute the meat fairly — one part for their families, one for friends and neighbors, and one for the less fortunate.
“This reflects the essence of Islam — a faith rooted in giving, responsibility, and compassion,” he said.
Mahama encouraged Muslims to use the occasion to extend not only material aid but also emotional support to those in need.
He further stated that Ghana’s strength lies in mutual care and respect across different religions and cultural backgrounds, calling for continued efforts toward unity and brotherhood.
Addressing the issue of Hajj, Mahama acknowledged the significant financial strain on Muslim families. Although efforts were made to reduce costs, he admitted they remained high. He assured the Muslim community that discussions with key stakeholders, including Saudi authorities, are ongoing.
“If the recent appreciation of the cedi continues, I’m hopeful that next year’s Hajj costs will be much lower,” he said. He estimated that, had the current economic conditions existed earlier, this year’s Hajj could have cost about GH₵45,000.
In response to longstanding demands from the Muslim population, Mahama announced the drafting of legislation to make Eid al-Fitr an official public holiday. The Bill will soon be submitted to Parliament for approval and, once passed, will become law rather than relying on Executive Instruments.
This move, he said, acknowledges the deep spiritual significance of Eid al-Fitr in the lives of Muslims.
Mahama also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Islamic education. He revealed that the Minister of Education had been instructed to collaborate with the Islamic Education Unit to strengthen its operations, particularly through the recruitment and training of Arabic instructors nationwide.
He announced that stalled infrastructure projects at Al-Faruq College of Education in Wenchi would soon resume, reinforcing the college’s role in preparing professional educators within the Islamic framework.
Furthermore, he disclosed plans for a new scholarship initiative led by the Scholarship Secretariat, aimed at supporting Muslim students pursuing higher education in disciplines such as medicine, law, ICT, engineering, and the social sciences. This, he explained, aligns with the government’s broader strategy to create equitable opportunities for all Ghanaians to contribute to national development.
Source: Prime News Ghana And Other News Agencies.
About The Author
