The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has introduced a new bill aiming to amend the country's Public Holidays Act 2001, Act 601.

The proposed amendment includes the addition of two Islamic public holidays, Tashreeq (a day after the Eid-al-Adha Festival) and Shaqq (a day before the Eid-al-Fitr).

The bill was submitted to the Clerk of Parliament on November 29, 2023, and is currently in the processing stage.

According to Sosu, the amendment aims to create a more progressive, productive, and inclusive society by extending the public holidays for Muslims from one day to two days for each Islamic festivity.

“The right of every Ghanaian to freedom of religion is a fundamental one. In Article 21(c) every Ghanian has the freedom to practice any religion and to manifest any religion. Being the 2nd dominant religion in Ghana, Ghanaian Muslims must have equal opportunities when it comes to the celebration of religious festivals.”

“After 40 days of mandatory religious obligation of fasting, practitioners of Islamic Religion deserve an additional day for rest and to prepare for full activities,” he said.

“The religious significance of these holidays is to afford Muslims the opportunity to fully manifest and observe their faith, and offer gratitude to Allah for all that He has done, granted them, and continues to do; as well as for them to fully place and restore their trust in Allah and His abundant care, Grace and wisdom,” he added.

Mr. Sosu highlighted that the existing system was deemed unfair and discriminatory, limiting the expression of the Islamic faith in accordance with constitutional guarantees and international laws.

“When passed, this Act will go a long way to promote religious tolerance and help realise, promote and guarantee a more open, progressive, inclusive and secure society,” he added.

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