Eid al-Adha celebration: Mahama prays for global peace

President John Dramani Mahama used Eid al-Adha to call for global peace.

He urged Ghanaians to pray for peace in Bawku, Sudan, and conflict areas like Ukraine and Russia.

“Let us walk together in hope. Ghana belongs to all of us,” he said during the national Eid al-Adha prayers at Blackstar Square in Accra.

Mahama emphasized that Eid al-Adha is about more than sacrifice. It represents compassion, sharing, and community.

Those who can sacrifice an animal should divide the meat. One portion should go to family, one to friends and neighbors, and one to the poor.

This reflects Islam's spirit of generosity, social responsibility, and love for one another.

“Let this celebration be a chance to help those in need,” he added. “Offer not just food but kindness and support.”

Ghana will thrive when citizens care for each other across faiths and backgrounds. This unity fosters national brotherhood.

Regarding Hajj, Mahama acknowledged its financial burden on Muslim families.

“This year’s costs remain high despite our efforts,” he stated. He assured that they are working with relevant agencies and Saudi counterparts.

“If Allah accepts our prayers and the cedi remains strong, I believe Hajj fares will drop significantly next year.”

He noted that if pilgrims traveled now, Hajj fare would be around GH₵45,000.

In response to requests from the Muslim community, Mahama announced a Bill designating Eid al-Fitr as a public holiday.

This Bill will soon be presented to Parliament for approval.

Once passed and signed into law, it recognizes Eid al-Fitr's spiritual importance in Muslims’ lives.

As part of his commitments, Mahama directed the Minister of Education to engage with the Islamic Education Unit.

The goal is to strengthen operations and recruit qualified Arabic instructors nationwide.

He aims for Arabic education not to be marginalized so Islamic schools can thrive with necessary resources.

Additionally, he announced that work will resume on abandoned projects at Al-Faruq College of Education in Wenchi.

This college will train professional teachers within the Islamic education framework.

Mahama also instructed the Scholarship Secretariat's Director-General to develop support programs for Muslim students pursuing advanced studies in key fields like medicine and engineering.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower all segments of Ghanaian society for national development.