Speaking in an interview with Adom News at Goaso during the celebration of his 10th anniversary in office, he stressed the need for continuous harmony between Muslims and other religious communities.

According to him, there should be no circumstances under which Muslims engage in conflict with followers of other faiths, urging leaders within the Muslim community to sustain and strengthen the existing cordial relationships.

Alhaji Unus noted that unity among different religious groups is key to accelerating development in Ahafo, adding that collective efforts are necessary to improve the living conditions of residents.

“As a leader, I will continue to encourage tolerance and mutual respect among all religious groups to ensure lasting peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in the Ahafo Region, Pastor Joseph Agyemang, commended the Deputy Chief Imam for his leadership, noting that his approach has contributed significantly to peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the area.

He urged other religious leaders to emulate the example set by Alhaji Unus to sustain unity and promote development in the region.

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Speaking during a period of spiritual reflection, Mallam Boadi emphasized that the power of prayer and fasting should be directed toward ending the unrest that has long troubled the municipality. He highlighted the devastating toll the ongoing conflict has taken on residents.

The cleric noted that the instability has caused significant economic hardship, with women, the elderly, and children bearing the heaviest burden. Many families in Nkwanta South are struggling after losing husbands and relatives, leaving them without traditional breadwinners and financial support.

Mallam Boadi made these remarks during a charitable event organized on behalf of Alhaji Abdul Kadir Tanko, Governor of Faidha Ghana, and the Nkosouhene of the Buem traditional area in Jasikan. Known for his advocacy for vulnerable populations, Alhaji Tanko demonstrated his commitment to the community by donating essential food items, including bags of rice and cooking oil, to widows and orphans affected by the recent violence.

According to Mallam Boadi, Alhaji Tanko felt a moral obligation to act after witnessing the suffering of those displaced or bereaved by the conflict. The donation aims to provide not only physical sustenance but also a sense of solidarity, reminding grieving families that their fellow citizens stand with them.

Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the timely intervention, noting that the support offers a glimmer of hope during a challenging period. They commended Alhaji Tanko for his compassion and encouraged other leaders to follow his example in fostering unity and supporting the less fortunate.

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In a message released on Friday, February 20, the President, together with his wife, Lordina Mahama, wished the Muslim community a spiritually fulfilling and blessed Ramadan.

He described the sacred period as a special time for reflection, renewal, and unity, urging Muslims observing the fast to seek purification of the heart and strengthen their faith.

President Mahama emphasised the values of compassion, generosity, and discipline, noting that beyond abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan calls for kindness, especially toward the less privileged.

He further encouraged Ghanaians to use the period to promote peace, love, and national unity.

“From my family, we wish you a spiritually fulfilling and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah accept your worship,” he said.

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The month, which follows the lunar Islamic calendar, calls on believers to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset, while dedicating time to prayer, charity, and self-discipline.

For many in Ghana, Ramadan is also a time to strengthen family bonds and community solidarity.

Imams and Muslim leaders across the country have reminded worshippers that the spiritual essence of Ramadan goes beyond fasting.

“It is a time for self-purification, reflection on one’s actions, and giving back to those in need,” said Sheikh Imran, a prominent Muslim cleric in Madina.

“The fast teaches patience, empathy, and gratitude, which are values that benefit society as a whole.”

Markets and mosques are bustling with preparations, with families buying dates, fruits, and essential items to break their fast each evening.

Community mosques have also organised prayer sessions and Quranic recitations, allowing believers to come together in worship while adhering to health and safety protocols.

Ramadan is not only a spiritual exercise but also a reminder of communal responsibility.

Many Muslims in Ghana participate in charity drives, donating food and essential items to the less fortunate to ensure the spirit of the month reaches every member of society.

As the sun sets each day, Muslims break their fast with the iftar meal, often shared with family, friends, and neighbours, reflecting the values of unity and generosity that Ramadan embodies.

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Eid al-Fitr – which means “festival of the breaking of the fast” – is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for many adults, as well as spiritual reflection and prayer.

EPA/ Women pray near a Muslim shrine in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Reuters/ A boy stands in the middle of a crowd of people praying in Nairobi, Kenya.

EPA/ In Rotterdam, the Netherlands, people buy sweets in a bakery as part of the celebrations.

EPA/ In the Russian capital, Moscow, worshippers pray outside the Central Sobornaya Mosque.

EPA/ Here, thousands are celebrating on the eve of the Eid al-Fitr on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Reuters/ In Egypt, people gathered under balloons in the colours of the Palestinian flag in a show of support for fellow Muslims caught in the Gaza war.

Reuters/ In Gaza itself, Palestinians gathered for prayers in the southern town of Rafah which Israel has promised to attack as part of its stated aim of eliminating Hamas.

Reuters/ At al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem – the third holiest site in Islam – worshippers took pictures.

Reuters/ Women take cover under an umbrella in Manila, the Philippines.

EPA/ A man sells balloons during celebrations in Karachi, Pakistan.

PA Media/ A family take a selfie in Cambridge, UK.

EPA/ Worshippers gathered in Naples, Italy.

Reuters/ Thousands knelt in prayer in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania.

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This was after the Chief Imam announced that the fast will start today, Thursday, March 23, 2023.

The announcement was made by the Chief Imam’s spokesperson, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, on Wednesday evening.

“The report we received and source we are getting from Bawku is that the moon has been sighted at Bawku. This information has been well authenticated based on communication between the Bawku Chief Imam and the office of the Chief Imam.

“There is no reason to doubt it. On this ground, and by the Chief Imam’s mandate as the supreme leader of Muslims in this country, Muslims will begin fasting on the 23rd of March 2023,” he declared.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It begins with the sighting of the moon.

Fasting in Ramadan involves abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset.

Ramadan for Muslims is a month of reflection, and self-improvement in relation to one’s behaviour towards other people, oneself, and Allah.

It is also a way to show solidarity with millions of poor people who cannot afford a four-square meal.

Muslims begin the fast before the call to the Fajr prayer after they are done with suhoor and fast till the setting of the sun after the call of Maghrib evening prayer.

Children, the elderly, people who are travelling, pregnant women, and people who are suffering from chronic illness are, however, excused from fasting, but they are required to make up the fasting later or compensate by feeding the hungry in proportion to the fast they had missed.

The festival of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the festival of fast-breaking, is observed to mark the completion of Ramadan after the 29 to 30-day fast.

The protests were sparked by derogatory remarks made by two former leaders of the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) about the Prophet Muhammad.

The demonstrations turned violent in some states as people damaged property.

More than 300 people were arrested in UP.

Local authorities demolished three Muslim-owned houses over the weekend, alleging that they had been illegally constructed – a claim denied by some of the owners.

The demolitions triggered condemnation from opposition leaders, who accused the state government – headed by chief minister Yogi Adityanath – of targeting the minority Muslim community.

Critics say religious polarisation has deepened in India since 2014, when the Hindu nationalist BJP came to power. Hate speech and attacks against Muslims have risen sharply over the past few years.

A tweet from Mrityunjay Kumar, Mr Adityanath’s media adviser, also sparked outrage. He had tweeted a photo of a bulldozer demolishing a building, adding: “Unruly elements remember, every Friday is followed by a Saturday.”

Two of the destroyed houses belonged to people who were accused of throwing stones after Friday prayers.

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The third was that of a politician named Javed Ahmed, who has been accused of planning the protests. His daughter, Afreen Fatima, is a prominent Muslim rights activist who had participated in the protests against a controversial citizenship law.

A former chief justice of the Allahabad high court told The Indian Express newspaper that the demolition of Mr Ahmed’s house was “totally illegal”.

“Even if you assume for a moment that the construction was illegal, which by the way is how crores of Indians live, it is impermissible that you demolish a house on a Sunday when the residents are in custody,” former Chief Justice Govind Mathur said.

An official from the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) – which demolished Mr Ahmed’s house – has said it had issued a notice to him in May, asking him to appear before them. But Ms Fatima has denied this, saying the family was only informed when a notice was stuck to their door on Saturday.

A group of lawyers also wrote to the high court, pointing out that the demolition was against the law.

“No earlier notices of illegal construction were received by the accused or his wife,” their letter said.

This is not the first time Uttar Pradesh and some other BJP-ruled states have been accused of using demolitions to target alleged protesters in the aftermath of communal violence. Experts have questioned the method’s legal sanction.

“You are disproportionately punishing people of one community without following any due process. This is not just illegal, but it also sets a dangerous precedent,” Ashhar Warsi, a senior lawyer, had told the BBC in April.

In the meantime, the controversy over the comments made by the former BJP leaders shows no signs of dying down.

It was triggered by a remark made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma in a televised debate last month. Videos of her statement went viral, sparking sporadic protests.

Naveen Jindal, who was media head of the party’s Delhi unit, had also posted a provocative tweet on the issue.

The issue gained global attention after more than a dozen countries from the Islamic world condemned the remarks, sparking a diplomatic nightmare for India.

The BJP then suspended Ms Sharma and expelled Mr Jindal. Ms Sharma and her family have also been given protection by the Delhi Police after she said she received harassment and threats.

But Ms Sharma has received support from many BJP supporters online. Some of her party colleagues also tweeted in her support after the recent protests against her remark took a violent turn.

A YouTuber from Indian-administered Kashmir was arrested after he posted a video that showed him beheading an effigy of Ms Sharma. In Jharkhand state, two people died of bullet injuries during the protests.

Residents at Ejuratia in the Kwabre East district of Ashanti region are in shock over a donation by a young man to the Muslim community.

It is an annual ritual for individuals and corporate organisations to make donations to Muslims during the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

Items such as ram, rice, oil, drinks, toiletries and many others are donated to put smiles on the faces of the needy.

But he rather appeared with three coffin in hand.

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This according to reports, sent shivers down the spine of those present.

However, those whom he discussed the idea of buying the coffins for the community with, saw nothing wrong with the donation.

One of such people is Mohammed Baba Nasir who is a Muslim leader in the community.

He said death is inevitable thus receiving coffins as gift is not a bad omen.

Baba Nasir said they accepted the coffins and shared it among the Muslim communities in the area.

In a press statement to mark the celebration, the Association prayed the Muslim community to have a restful celebration.

“GMA congratulates you on the successful completion of this key pillar of Islam and hopes you have a joyous, restful and uneventful celebration,” the Association stated.

The Eid-Ul-Fitr festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month on the Islamic calendar.

It is celebrated to show gratitude to Allah for the help and strength he gave Muslims throughout the month of Ramadan to help them practice self-control.

On this auspicious day, the GMA expressed their goodwill to Muslims for their successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

“On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire membership of the Ghana Medical Association we extend our felicitations to our Muslim doctors, all Muslim health workers and the entire Muslim community as a whole on this auspicious occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr.”

The Muslims have not been able to pray the Eid as traditionally at the Independence Square prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yesterday I looked at the data and we had 29 cases in the whole of Ghana. Because of the issue of COVID which has been abated by the Grace of God, we will be praying Eid at the Independence square this year,” Bawumia affirmed.

He made the announcement while speaking at a brief event to break the day’s fasting at the Jubilee House.

Dr Bawumia also used the occasion to commend his fellow Muslims for observing the most unique periods on the Muslim calendar as he hosted the National Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharabutu and other leaders at the Jubilee House.

He used the opportunity to admonish Ghanaians to continue to cherish the harmony among Muslims and Christians to sustain the peaceful coexistence in the country.

“This particular year, it is even more special because we had the occasion where the Ramadan coincided with Easter and coincided with the Passover,” he noted.

“For us, it is a very interesting coincidence but maybe God is trying to tell us something, all of us, in terms of humanity. There is a message in there for us. I am sure notwithstanding our diversity, that we are all looking up to that one creator, that one God, the one Allah”, he added.

According to him, the country counts as the second most peaceful country in West Africa with different religions, especially, Muslims and Christians getting along so well largely accounts for the peace associated with life in Ghana.

“We take it for granted but other countries when they come here and see how we interact, how Muslims go to churches and celebrate Christmas and enjoy it more than the Christians.”

“We have harmony and that’s for me, part of the secret to the peace we have in Ghana.”

Sheikh Sharabutu meanwhile prayed for Allah’s protection for the entire nation as he called on Allah to also grant peace to all parts of the world.

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Indeed, in some cases, the African tapestry of religion has witnessed the fusion of elements from Islam and Christianity into a distinct religious tradition.

In the Bono region, some members of the Muslim community worshipped with their Christian counterparts at church despite their Ramadan activities.

At the Sunyani Penkwase Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church, Muslims including the Deputy Bono Regional Chief, Executives and other members worshipped together with the congregation.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News, the Regional Deputy Chief Imam, Alhaji Baba Seidu Mahmoud said it was a move to strengthen the relationship between Muslims and Christians from mere tolerance to engagement since both are from one parent, Adam and Eve.

He urged both Muslim communities and Christians to see each other as brothers since they all worship the same God.

He appealed to the authorities for the mission schools in the country to allow Muslim students to observe the Ramadan fast and also perform all other activities duly authorized in the schools.

He urged the government to ensure that all other issues affecting Muslims are also addressed.

Pastor in Incharge of Penkwase SDA Church, Reverend Adusei-Poku Agyei, said it was the aim of the entire SDA Church to promote inter-faith dialogue, and a peaceful co-existence between Muslims the two dominant religions in the country.

He said the church aims to bridge the gap and win more souls for Jesus Christ.

According to him, the club has done its best to win games but the balls are simply not entering the post, hence, the need for prayers to save them from relegation.

“I am making a passionate plea to my Muslim brothers to remember King Faisal in their Ramadan prayers,’’ he told GTV Sports Plus.

Alhaji Grusah, in February 2021, announced that the club was up for sale if any interested investors showed up.

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He pegged the club’s value at not less than $2 million.

King Faisal has played 13 matches, won three, lost six with 13 points and is the last but one club in the ongoing Ghana premier league table.

“The Islamic religion is a peaceful one and every Muslim is supposed to be peaceful even though some people associate the religion with violence.”

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Sheikh Saeed has attributed the perception that Islamic youth are violent to the sheer number of people who practice the religion, making it easy for all manner of characters to be found within its practice.

“Every bad deed is a sin against the laws of God but as society grows, a lot of changes occur and for Islam which is a religion open to all people, they come in with their own behaviours. Islam in itself condemns violence and changes people for the better in society,” he said.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show, Sheikh Saeed explained that Islam was one of the religions that condemn deviance in society and puts people in shape.

Sheikh Saeed urged Ghanaian Muslims to practice patience and restraint themselves from practices that demean the religion.

Source: Adomonline.com/Gertrude Otchere

Addressing the 2019 Eid ul-Fitr celebrations, on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, President Akufo-Addo stated that “I applaud the vigilance of Messrs Gregory Bangbeme and George Bonfodong, members of the Roman Catholic Church in Hamile, in the Upper West Region, who, together with the Church leaders, alerted the Police about the presence in the Church of an armed person, who turned out to be a national of our neighbouring country of Burkina Faso.”

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He continued that “While the security agencies work to keep all of us safe, I encourage you to report suspicious characters who come into your communities to take advantage of our well-acclaimed hospitality to unleash terror on our country to the Police. Let us also exercise restraint in the face of provocation, for lack of restraint would only feed into the destructive plan of these miscreants who seek to destroy in the name of religion.”

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His call comes in the wake of terror attacks in neighbouring Burkina Faso and a recent arrest of a Burkinabe with a loaded pistol at a Church in Hamile in the Upper West region.

Source: Adomonline.com

He urged Ghanaians to preserve the culture of religious tolerance currently prevailing in the country.

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Speaking at the Eid Fitr ceremony at the Independence Square in Accra, the President said Ghana’s religious tolerance is envy to many nations around the world, hence Ghanaians must strive to sustain that religious tolerance.

“These and many more beautiful spectacles that are unfolding in our country should not be taken for granted.

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“We must continue to work to preserve our culture of religious tolerance. We cannot surrender this beautiful way of life for anything and certainly not to people who seek to pervert religious beliefs. Don’t let [enemies of the State] destroy our unique way of life,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo further urged the youth to celebrate the day with caution because “the nation needs you alive.”

Source: Adomonline.com

“COMOG has no objection to the building of a cathedral. Christians in Ghana are capable of building a cathedral without government’s involvement or sponsorship. Just as the Government of Ghana has not been involved in the construction of religious edifices for Muslims, Traditionalists, Hindus etc., it should not be involved in the efforts by Christians to build themselves a cathedral,” the organisation said in a press statement, Tuesday.

The organisation has also criticised the government for proceeding with preparations to put up the cathedral before a suit challenging the process at the Supreme Court is heard.

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According to COMOG, the haste by the government to construct the massive edifice, even before the Supreme Court pronounces judgement on the suit “represents an utter misplacement of our priorities as a nation.”

Background

President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s project to build a National Cathedral has been hailed by some religious groups and a section of the public, however, it seems to have ruffled the feathers of a few other interest groups.

Photo: The President has said the cathedral will be a thanksgiving edifice to God

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The current major opposition to the construction of the landmark that was designed by the Ghanaian architect David Adjaye has been its planned location.

The 14 acres that the magnificent building will occupy is partly the location of the residence of some Appeal Court Judges and other important state institutions.

The cathedral will be an interdenominational Christian cathedral and will a thanksgiving edifice to God as part of Ghana’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, the President has said.

A private citizen, James Bomfeh, is also in court to challenge the constitutionality of state involvement in the erection of the National Cathedral and other religious activities like the organisation of the Hajj for Ghanaian Muslims.

According to Mr Bomfeh, a member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the framers of the Constitution strived at fairness for every individual’s religious belief when they stated that the state must leave religious matters to the individual.

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The Supreme Court is yet to pronounce judgement on the matter, but the government has already sent quit orders to residents whose homes and properties are situated on the stretch of prime land to be used for the cathedral.

COMOG release

COMOG also said in the release that in a secular nation with multiple faiths like Ghana the promotion of Islam and Christianity constitutes an affront to the letter and spirit of the Constitution of Ghana which bars the state from any promotion or sponsorship of religious activities.

It said the decision of the government to destroy state buildings including homes housing judges of the Appeals Court, the Scholarship Secretariat, the Passport Office and the Judicial Training Institute, some of which were built only five years ago, to make way for the construction of a private religious edifice constitutes a wanton destruction of state property.

“We join many well-meaning Ghanaians including Members of Parliament, members of the Legal fraternity and some of the Judges to be affected by this destruction, in calling for the relocation of the cathedral to another part of Ghana where it can be constructed at little cost to the state,” the release signed by its National President, Sheik Dr Al- Hussien Zakaria, stated.

COMOG has also called on the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, to immediately empanel judges of the Supreme Court to hear the case brought to it against the government’s involvement in the Hajj and the construction of the cathedral.

“At the same time, we call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and the promoters of the building of the cathedral to halt the planned demolition exercise and any other activities that will cause permanent damage to or loss of state property until the slit at the Supreme Court is heard. The government should also return the mandate for the damn organisation of Hajj into the hands of Ghanaian Muslims,” the statement urged.

Furthermore, the Islamic organisation wants the government to push for the auditing of the accounts of the current and past Hajj Boards.

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“Individuals found culpable in the misappropriation of monies paid by Ghanaian Muslims to Hajj Boards over the years must be made to face justice. We find it unjustifiable that rather than demanding justice for Muslims defrauded by individuals over the years, the governments have chosen to cover up their activities by claiming to pay for monies lost over the years,” COMOG stated.

“The government must provide evidence of the sponsorship it has given to the Hajj Board and Muttims to perform Hajj during the past two years as well as indicate the source of such funds. We find it wrong and unjustifiable that the Government of Ghana should be involved in using resources, regardless of their sources, to sponsor Muslims for a pilgrimage that is reserved solely to Muslims who are financially capable of undertaking it if that is the case. Such funds could have been used for pressing developmental projects for the benefit of Ghanaians of all faiths,” the COMOG stated said.

According to President Akufo-Addo, he sought the Presidency in order specifically to make the sacrifices that are required to ensure the economic and social transformation of our country and its people.

“It is in pursuit of this objective of social inclusion that I established the Ministry of Inner City and Zongo Development. Our goal is to create a society of equal opportunities for all, and we shall not relent until we achieve it,” he added.

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The President made this known on Tuesday, 21st August, 2018, when he addressed Muslims at the Eid ul Adha celebrations, at the Independence Square, Accra.

A key component of the creation of a society of inclusion, President Akufo-Addo noted, is by ensuring that every Ghanaian child gets the opportunity of a lifetime to develop his or her potential.

“I know that seeking knowledge is considered a sacred duty in Islam. Our commitment to ensure that no Ghanaian child is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge should spur you, to actualise the admonishing of the Prophet Muhammad that knowledge is the lost property of a Muslim, and he or she should find it wherever he or she may,” he added.

Using the Hajj ritual as an analogy of how a society of inclusion should be built, President Akufo-Addo explained that during Hajj, all pilgrims wear the white apparel, of the same style and make.

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“Therefore, when we look at a sea of pilgrims, we are unable to distinguish the rich from the poor, the high from the low, and the powerful from the weak. Everybody assumes equality before the Lord,” he said.

The President continued, “In the same way, we are determined to ensure that the laws of our country do not discriminate against people under any circumstance.”

He assured the Muslim community that he will implement recommendations made by the Committee established to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of seven citizens of the Asawase community.

“Let me use the occasion of the Eid to renew my commitment to that pledge. Whilst we await the outcome of the Committee’s work, I urge the young men and women of Asawase to continue to exercise restraint and remain law abiding,” he added.

With Ghana needing people imbued with the character of the Prophet Ibrahim, President Akufo-Addo stated that the Ghanaian people need to build a nation of sacrifice.

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“The founding fathers of this nation sacrificed their all to gain for us our liberty. We have to sustain the gains that they made for this country through sacrifice. The story of Prophet Ibrahim must spur us to want to go the extra mile for our country,” he said.

The President continued, “I was born into a family, where sacrifice and service to others are considered a sacred duty. I to pledge to you that I shall continue to sacrifice my all to ensure that I leave a legacy of peace and progress for coming generations.”

He assured the Chief Imam that he will continue to admonish his appointees to cultivate the same spirit of sacrifice that spurred the country’s forebears to fight for Ghana’s liberation.

President Akufo-Addo used the occasion to introduce the new Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development, Sheikh Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.

“I am confident that the new Minister will continue with the impressive work undertaken so far by his predecessor, and ensure the fulfillment of our pledge of accelerating the pace of development, and the provision of essential social services to communities around our country in a manner that answers to the real needs of all our people,” he added.

According to Bernard Allotey Jacobs, the Chief Imam has united all sects ever since he assumed the role as a leader of Muslims in Ghana.

READ: Video: Eid al-Adha: Everything you need to know

“It is my prayer that the Almighty Allah grants you long life to continue to bless this nation with your wisdom and significant contributions toward national development” he stated as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha, an Islamic holiday also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”.

The holiday is the first of four days when Muslims sacrifice meaningful things to them, typically sheep, cows, chickens and goats, which they slaughter, cook and share with family, friends and the poor.

Eid al-Adha also marks the end of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 10-day pilgrimage Muslims take to Mecca. Hajj is a pilgrimage all Muslims must take at least once in their lives.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Tuesday, Allotey Jacobs said the National Chief Imam is one of the Islamic clerics promoting peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

He noted that, since his choice as the National Chief Imam two decades ago he has worked so hard to get Muslims to continue relating peacefully and closely with all people in Ghana irrespective of their religion.

The NDC Central Regional Chairman stated that, Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu has often advised all Muslim factions to remain united or run the risk of getting overwhelmed by opposing groups.

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Based on this feat chalked, Allotey Jacobs prayed the 99-year-old Muslim leader live to 150 years to impact his knowledge to the youth in the country.

Today marks Eid al-Adha, an Islamic holiday also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice.” The holiday is the first of four days when Muslims sacrifice meaningful things to them, typically sheep, cows, chickens and goats, which they slaughter, cook and share with family, friends and the poor. Eid al-Adha also marks the end of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 10-day pilgrimage Muslims take to Mecca. Hajj is a pilgrimage all Muslims must take at least once in their lives.

Below is everything you need to know.

Why is it celebrated?

In a dream, God ordered Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his most beloved – his only son, Ismail. Prophet Ibrahim told his son about the dream, to which Ismail agreed to be used as a sacrifice. The Prophet and his wife traveled to Mecca, where they planned to perform the deed.

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As Prophet Ibrahim prepared to kill his child, God replaced his son with a ram. God’s command was a test to see if the Prophet would follow his command. Prophet Ibrahim passed the test. Centuries later, Muslims have carried the tradition of sacrificing animals in the name of God.

When is it celebrated?

Eid al-Adha falls on a different time each year. In the Islamic lunar calendar, the day is determined based on the sighting of the Crescent Moon and the New Moon. It is not known when the exact day begins. This year, the holiday begins Tuesday, 21 August and runs until Saturday, the 25^th.

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What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic year. For 30 days, Muslims worldwide observe fasting and end the month with the Eid al-Fitr celebration. Eid al-Adha is a festivity celebrated on the 10^th day of the Muslims’ pilgrimage to Hajj.

What celebrations happen on Eid al-Adha?

Muslims in the country have been urged to refrain from all vices and evils especially sex during the 30-day fast.

Deputy Secretary from the Office of the National Chief Imam, Usman Seidu disclosed this on Adom FM’s Morning Show “Dwaso Nsem” on Wednesday.

According to Usman Seidu, only legally married couples are allowed to have sex but said that could only be done after both have broken their fasts.

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He said if a Muslim volunteered to abstain from food and sex, they would be in better positions to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.

“Fasting is a way of glorifying God and therefore it’s important to see everything as holy and abstain from sinful acts. Fasting is compulsory for every Muslim because we fast by choice and not by chance. In this time, we need to do things extra”, he explained.

“having sex with your wife when you break your fast is allowed but one can’t have sex during the fast, especially to married couple; If you are fasting, you cannot make love”, he warned.

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Ramadan is the holiest month on the Islamic calendar and is a time of fasting, beginning from early in the morning through to sunset.

Ramadan is usually heralded with the citing of the moon. Depending on the lunar calendar, Ramadan will begin in Ghana on Wednesday or Thursday.

Usman Seidu said Muslims should be given good atmosphere to fast in order not to be tempted.

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He said since Ramadan is the month of charity and generosity and so Muslims should go out of their way to help the needy, financially, in kind and emotionally.

He appealed to Muslims to let the virtues of peace and humility that will guide them through the 30-day fast reflect their daily lives and all their endeavours.

“Congratulations to the women of Tunisia for the enshrinement of the right to the freedom to choose one’s spouse,” presidency spokeswoman Saida Garrach wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

The announcement came a month after President Beji Caid Essebsi called for the government to lift the ban dating back to 1973, arguing that existing practice violates Tunisia’s constitution, adopted in 2014 in the wake of the Arab Spring revolution.

He created a commission, led by a female lawyer and rights activists, aimed at drafting revised rules.

Until now a non-Muslim man who wished to marry a Muslim Tunisian woman had to convert to Islam and submit a certificate of his conversion as proof while a Muslim Tunisian man is allowed to marry a non-Muslim woman.

Human rights groups in the North African country had campaigned for the ban’s abolition, saying it undermined the fundamental human right to choose a spouse.

In a solidarity message to Muslims as they celebrate this year’s Eid al-Adha festival of sacrifice, they prayed that the “celebration will be marked with a quest to seek Allah’s blessings as Ghana aspires to rid itself of the difficulties that confront our society”.

Read full message below

RAWLINGS, NANA KONADU GREET MUSLIMS

Nana and I express solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha festival of sacrifice.

As we recognize the selfless sacrifice of Ibrahim that inspires the annual celebration of Eid al-Adha, let’s embrace love, care and the desire to pursue a positive agenda for our communities.

We pray that today’s celebration will be marked with a quest to seek Allah’s blessings as Ghana aspires to rid itself of the difficulties that confront our society.

May Allah answer our prayers.

Eid Mubarak!

He comes as the first CEO of the Forestry Commission to break tradition to recognize the end of the holy month.

‘I wish to send my fraternal greetings and congratulations to Muslims all over Ghana for having gone through this holy month of Ramadan successfully’ Sir John Said in a statement.

It is my prayer that, the prayers offered during this holy month will receive answers from Almighty Allah. May Allah replenish each and every Muslim for their dedication to fast and pray for the peace and development of the nation’. He prayed

Read below the full text of Sir John…..

EID UL-FITR MESSAGE FROM KWADWO OWUSU AFRIYIE

I wish to send my fraternal greetings and congratulations to Muslims all over Ghana for having gone through this holy month of Ramadan successfully.

The month of Ramadan is very important in the life of each Muslim who is of good health. It is a month of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and dedication to the principles of Islam.

It is my prayer that, the prayers offered during this holy month will receive answers from Almighty Allah. May Allah replenish each and every Muslim for their dedication to fast and pray for the peace and development of the nation.

I will urge us all to continue to live by the principles of Islam, love each other and have hatred for none.

May Allah bless us all.

Congratulations to all Muslims in Ghana and beyond!

………………….Signed………………….

Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John)

Former General Secretary, NPP and CEO, Forestry

He cautioned them to avoid over-celebration and guard against unhealthy and risky behaviours that could end them up with problems.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani Mr Alhasan said recurrence of reckless motor-riding by Muslim youth during the celebration ought to be avoided.

This attitude, he said had caused deaths and disabilities to many Muslim youth in previous celebrations after the annual spiritual exercise had ended.

Mr Alhassan observed that the Ramadan remained a holy period in Islam and advised Muslims all over to shun act of immorality in order not to waste the 30-day fast.

He made the promise when he attended the ceremony marking the end of the Quranic commentary by the National Chief Imam at the Abossey Okai Central Mosque, Accra.

Every year when Eid El Fitr is due, a committee goes about soliciting funds to rent canopies and other items for the celebration at the Independence Square.

One of members of the Eid Committee, Alhaji Musa Baba expressed his gratitude to the Vice President because, as he put it, he would no longer go about cup in hand seeking support for the celebration.

The Vice President said besides the forthcoming Eid El Fitr, he would fund subsequent events.

He had earlier hosted the first Iftar, the communal breaking of the fast at the Flagstaff House; invitation which was opened to all parties, the NDC receiving 30 invitations.

He told the hundreds of guests that the religious activity to which he invited them was not political adding unity should be upheld by all Ghanaians.

The National Chief Imam while expressing the gratitude of Ghanaian Muslims to the Government of Nana Addo and Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said that  “we ought to show our gratitude to Allah and to this government for their efforts to unite the Muslim Ummah (regardless of party colors) and we ought to thank them very much for the courtesies being accorded us especially the STATE IFTAR at the Flagstaff house which has never happened before although we have been hosted before but not at the flagstaff house and not in this form and style.”

Continuing he said “I don’t do politics as everyone knows but I am setting the records straight. We must show our gratitude to Allah and to the people  who do good to us by praying for them if we can.”

The Vice President welcomed his guests thus “It is a pleasure to welcome you, my noble guests, on behalf of his excellency the President and the Government,  I would like to express my gratitude for accepting my invitation to this  Ramadan Iftar (Breakfast) gathering, hoping that such religious meeting will continue to reach common principles to achieve reforms for our nation as a whole, and our beloved country, Ghana, in particular.

“One of the cardinal tenets of Islam has to do with the devotion of the self to a month of abstinence. The month of Ramadan, which we are yet to conclude, is a month when Muslims around the world are constantly reminded of values that are crucial to leadership driven by public morality and targeted at effective governance. These values include: tolerance, patience, fairness, forgiveness, charity, sacrifice, truthfulness and so on. Ramadan is a period of contemplation, reflection, compassion and reconciliation for the benefit of self and society, both materially and spiritually,” he said.

The observance of Ramadan, he went on, “should be a means to bring strength and the earnest will to live in peace together with fellow humans. It is a month when we extend our hands to all of humanity in genuine brotherhood.”

The holy month of Islamic calendar began on the evening of Friday, May 26, 2017.

The month of fasting will last for 29 days and will be celebrated by approximately 1.6 billion Muslims around the world.

On Shatta Wale’s Facebook wall, he reminded all the religious members to be steadfast in their prayers as Almighty Allah heavily descends his favors and blessings on those who bow to pray in their fast.

He further prayed all the wishes of every faithful Muslim come true by the end of the righteous month.

Meanwhile, some of his fans thanked him and expressed wonder over his kind gesture.

See the post below:

He said Muslims should strive to live by the values of Ramadan- the holy month of fasting- instituted for Muslims to dedicate themselves to God and to the service of humankind.

“I pray that in this month and beyond, we strive to live by these values, so that, even beyond Ramadan, we continue to commit ourselves to the good of humankind and our fellow Ghanaians.

“We have an opportunity to realize our potential as the Black Star of Africa, and it is my belief that the principles that Ramadan seeks to inculcate in Muslims are important for realising this objective,” he said.

Dr Bawumia disclosed this during the annual Quanic recitation and Maulud in Prang, Brong Ahafo Region.

Addressing the hundreds of Tijjaniya Muslims assembled at the place, he told them that arrangements were being made to ensure that members of the faith undertake the annual Hajj with minimal challenges.

He also charged Muslims to respect each other, irrespective of party affiliations.

The Vice President was accompanied by Sheikh IC Quaye, Chairman of the board of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Sheikh TB Damba and other dignitaries.

In his address, Sheikh Abu Fail Maikano, the host, expressed delight that this is the first time in the history of the annual recitation and Maulud that a Vice President had graced the occasion.

He also thanked Vice President Bawumia for gracing the occasion.

source: daily guide