The government has declared Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1 public holidays in Ghana to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed, announced the holidays in a statement issued on Saturday, March 22, explaining that the decision follows the observance of Eid-ul-Fitr, which falls on Sunday, March 30.

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 designated "Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as additional public holidays through an Executive Instrument (E.I.)."

The minister urged the public to observe the holidays accordingly and adhere to the official declaration.

The decision aims to allow the Muslim community to fully participate in Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, which mark the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide.

The move follows the government’s efforts to amend the Public Holidays Act. President Mahama had hinted at the possibility of an additional holiday before the 2024 general elections, emphasizing that the Eid period involves deep spiritual reflection, community gatherings, and acts of charity, requiring ample time for observance.

“The additional holiday will give Muslims ample time to fulfil their religious duties,” the president stated in March.

The declaration has been met with support from the Coalition of Muslim Organisations Ghana (COMOG).

COMOG spokesperson Mohammed Shaibu Shamsu commended the government for the initiative, highlighting the challenges many Muslims previously faced with having only one day to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.