In a groundbreaking announcement, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Mr. Mahama, has pledged to grant an additional Eid holiday to Ghana’s Muslim community if elected in 2024.
The promise comes in response to concerns raised about Muslims missing out on the public holiday at the end of Ramadan due to the 29 or 30-day rule for moon sightings.
Addressing the 63rd Annual National Conference of the Ghana Muslim Mission in Kumasi on Friday, December 29, Mr. Mahama expressed his commitment to addressing the issue while ensuring it doesn’t adversely affect productivity.
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He outlined his intention to modify the Public Holidays Act to maintain the same number of public holidays per year in Ghana.
“We aim to address the issue where some of our Muslim community members are unable to enjoy the public holiday at the end of Ramadan due to the 29 or 30-day rule for sighting the moon,” Mahama stated.
“To do this, we will introduce an additional holiday to the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. We will, however, ensure that this does not affect productivity by modifying the Public Holidays Act so that Ghana continues to have the same number of public holidays per year.”
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The proposal has generated positive reactions within the Muslim community, with many expressing appreciation for the acknowledgment of their concerns and the proactive approach to inclusivity.
Critics, however, raise questions about the potential impact on the workforce and whether such changes could set a precedent for other religious communities.
As Ghana anticipates the 2024 elections, Mr. Mahama’s promise adds a new dimension to the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of cultural and religious considerations in shaping public policies.
