The Ghanaian government has officially designated Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to commemorate the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 22, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed explained that the decision follows Eid-ul-Fitr, which falls on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Since the statutory holiday coincides with a Sunday, President John Dramani Mahama, in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), has declared the additional holidays through an Executive Instrument (E.I.).
The minister urged the public to observe the holidays as declared and comply accordingly.
This move allows the Muslim community to fully participate in the festivities that mark the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection among Muslims worldwide.
The government’s decision aligns with its efforts to amend the Public Holidays Act. President Mahama had previously hinted at the possibility of an additional holiday before the 2024 general elections, emphasizing the significance of Eid as a period of deep spiritual reflection, community gatherings, and acts of charity.
“The additional holiday will give Muslims ample time to fulfil their religious duties,” the president stated in March.
The announcement has received widespread support from the Coalition of Muslim Organisations Ghana (COMOG).
COMOG spokesperson Mohammed Shaibu Shamsu welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that many Muslims had struggled with having only one day to observe Eid-ul-Fitr in the past.
“This move addresses a long-standing concern among Muslims in the country,” Shamsu noted.
