President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday joined the Muslim community to observe Iftar (the breaking of fast) at the Presidency in Accra.
In attendance were Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Members of the Council of State, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament (MPs), and members of the diplomatic community in Ghana.
In his remarks, President Mahama noted that as they journeyed through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, it was also a time to reflect on their responsibilities—not only to themselves and their families but also to their communities and the nation.
He emphasized that the principles of self-discipline, compassion, and unity instilled by Ramadan should serve as guiding values for the nation as it embarks on a new journey to reset Ghana.
This reset agenda, he explained, was not just about economic recovery but also about restoring hope to the people, preserving dignity, and creating opportunities for all Ghanaians, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political backgrounds.
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s long-standing religious harmony, where Muslims, Christians, and people of other faiths live peacefully side by side in mutual respect. He expressed gratitude to Allah for this blessing, describing it as one of the country’s greatest strengths.
“As a government committed to inclusivity and development, we will continue to protect and promote religious tolerance as a pillar of our national unity,” he said.
“The NDC has always been a firm partner of the Muslim community.”
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness, justice, and development for all under the reset agenda. He stressed that they were focused on rebuilding the economy, restoring social justice, and creating opportunities for all, including Muslim communities.
He outlined critical steps the government had taken and promised further initiatives to support the Muslim community’s growth and prosperity.
One of the major challenges facing Ghanaian Muslims, he noted, was the rising cost of performing the Hajj pilgrimage. In response, the government took decisive action to reduce the Hajj fare from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000, allowing more Ghanaian Muslims, particularly the elderly and long-waiting applicants, to embark on this important religious journey.
He reiterated that this intervention aligns with the government’s broader goal of ensuring fairness in national policies and enabling all citizens, regardless of financial status, to fulfill their spiritual obligations.
President Mahama acknowledged the longstanding challenges Ghanaian pilgrims face in terms of accommodation and logistics before embarking on Hajj. As part of the reset agenda, the Ghana Airport Company is constructing a transit terminal that will serve as a Hajj village during the Hajj period and as a comfortable transit center before departure.
“But let me point out that the transit center will be available outside the Hajj period for other passengers in transit through Kotoka International Airport,” he said.
He added that this project reflects the government’s commitment to dignity and efficiency in public service delivery, ensuring that Muslim travelers embark on Hajj in an organized, dignified, and respectful manner.
In recognition of the invaluable contributions of the Muslim community to Ghana’s development, President Mahama recalled that his administration made history by introducing a second public holiday for the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
“And indeed, that holiday kicks in for the first time this weekend when we break the fast,” he announced.
President Mahama stressed that education is central to the reset agenda, as national development depends on empowering people with knowledge and skills.
“We have integrated Islamic schools into the mainstream education system to ensure that Muslim children receive quality education without compromising their religious identity,” he said.
“We will construct community-based senior high schools in Muslim-dominated areas to increase access to secondary education.”
He further pledged that the government would provide scholarships to brilliant but needy Muslim students to pursue higher education locally and abroad, particularly in fields like medicine and engineering.
For his part, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, expressed gratitude to Allah for the peace in the nation and prayed for President Mahama, asking Allah to grant him the wisdom and grace to implement his agenda for the benefit of all Ghanaians.