Mahama Declares Two-Day Eid Holiday

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his campaign promise of introducing a two-day holiday for Eid-al-Fitr celebrations.

Speaking at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event at the National Mosque in Accra on Friday, 10 January 2025, Mahama assured attendees that Parliament would soon amend the Public Holidays Act, 2001 (Act 601), to include an additional holiday for Eid-al-Fitr.

“We promised to add one more holiday to Eid-al-Fitr. As soon as Parliament convenes, we will amend the Holidays Act to add an extra holiday for Eid-al-Fitr. This year, after completing the fast of Ramadan, we will have two holidays to celebrate the Salah festivities,” Mahama said.

The President also outlined plans to fulfill other key campaign promises. These include reducing Hajj fares, recruiting more Arabic teachers, and providing scholarships for Muslim students in underserved communities.

Mahama announced the formation of a five-member Hajj taskforce, led by the longest-serving MP, Collins Dauda, to participate in the Hajj conference in the Holy Land.

“One of their tasks is to arrange for the lowest possible Hajj fares so that as many Muslims as possible can perform the pilgrimage,” he explained.

Additionally, the President confirmed plans to recruit more Arabic teachers for Islamic schools and establish the Soyayya Fund, a microcredit scheme aimed at supporting families in disadvantaged Muslim communities.

In closing, Mahama urged National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters to avoid attacking state institutions, stressing the importance of national unity and respect for democratic structures