Speaking at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration organised by the National Chief Imam at the Black Star Square in Accra, he emphasised that the holy month of Ramadan is a time for unity and reconciliation.

Addressing the ongoing tensions in Bawku, the President appealed to all factions to lay down their differences and work towards lasting peace.

He reminded them that conflict only hinders progress and development, affecting the livelihoods of innocent people.

“Finally, as we celebrate this Ramadan, I want to urge my brothers and sisters in Bawku to give peace a chance. Ramadan is a period for togetherness,” President Mahama stated.

He called on religious and traditional leaders to mediate and encourage dialogue among all parties involved.

He further assured the people of Bawku that his government remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the area. “Let us use this sacred occasion to reflect on the values of love, forgiveness, and harmony. Together, we can build a stronger and more united community,” he added.

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In a message to the Muslim Ummah, Akufo-Addo expressed hope that the period of fasting and prayer would further strengthen both individual and collective commitment to peace and good neighborliness.

“It is my wish that the period of Ramadan will strengthen further, our individual and collective resolve in the pursuit of peace and good neighborliness,” he stated.

Ramadan, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, is a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and self-discipline. It is also a period of charity and unity.

Muslims will embark on a month-long journey of fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in prayers and acts of kindness in adherence to their faith.

While acknowledging the curfew’s role in maintaining peace and security, he expressed concern over its impact on religious activities during Ramadan.

Speaking at a meeting with local chiefs, Alhaji Kayaba highlighted the significance of communal prayers and Iftar gatherings, which are hindered by the evening movement restrictions.

“Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, and community bonding. The current curfew limits our ability to come together to worship and support one another,” he stated.

He urged the government to grant a temporary adjustment to the curfew hours, allowing flexibility for religious observances. He believes such a move would promote unity and harmony within the community.

In response, Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong assured that he would collaborate with the Interior Ministry to review policies affecting the region. During a courtesy visit to the chiefs, he emphasized the need for joint efforts in addressing security and development challenges.

His commitment reflects a proactive approach to governance, aiming to balance security with the community’s religious and social needs.

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According to him, the first day of the sighting of the moon shall start on Friday, February 28, but if sighted Saturday, March 1, shall be the first day of Ramadan.

Addressing a press conference in Kumasi, Alhaji Alhassan said if the moon is not sighted, March 1 shall be the 30th day of ‘Sha’ban’, and then Sunday, March 2 will be the commencement of the Ramadan.

He explained the National Hilal Committee does not depend on any other moon apart from sighted Ghana moon.

“We don’t accept other countries’ first sight of the moon to commence the Ramadan Fasting in Ghana because Prophet Muhammad once said every country should use its first sight of the moon to start the Ramadan Fasting, so we are using the moon of Ghana,” he stated.

He urged the Muslim communities to inform their district Imams when sighted the moon to pass out the information on to the Chief Imam to announce the Ramadan.

Alhaji Yusif Alhassan commended President John Dramani Mahama for the reduction of Hajj fee, which he says will help more Muslims to participate in this year’s pilgrimage.

Ramadan secured an emphatic victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections, polling 56,303 votes to defeat the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Akosua Asaa Manu, who garnered 35,143 votes.

Although his vote count fell short of the 63,436 votes he achieved in 2020, Ramadan broke the constituency’s long-standing “one-term MP” trend.

His initial win in 2020 saw him unseat NPP’s Yaw Buaben Asamoah, who had polled 49,255 votes.

Since its establishment out of the Ashaiman Constituency in 2004, Adentan Constituency has seen four MPs, none of whom managed to secure consecutive terms until now.

In his victory address, Ramadan expressed gratitude to NDC supporters and constituents for their trust and hard work.

“This is a historic achievement in every sense, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to this success,” he said.

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Kano has a majority Muslim population, where an Islamic legal system – Sharia – operates alongside secular law.

The Islamic police, widely known as Hisbah, carry out searches of eateries and markets every year during Ramadan.

The 10 men and one woman were released after swearing an oath that they would not purposely miss a fast again.

“We got 11 persons on Tuesday including a lady selling groundnuts who was seen eating from her wares and some persons alerted us,” Hisbah spokesman Lawal Fagge told the BBC.

“The other 10 were men and were arrested across the city especially close to markets where a lot of activities happen.”

He added that the search operations would continue but said that non-Muslims were exempt.

“We don’t arrest non-Muslims because this doesn’t concern them and the only time they could be guilty of a crime is when we find out they cook food to sell to Muslims that are supposed to be fasting.”

Regarding those who were arrested he said that they were freed after promising to start fasting from now on and “for some of them we had to see their relatives or guardians in order to have family monitor them”.

Just over two decades ago, Sharia was introduced to work alongside secular law in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states that all have a majority Muslim population.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It has a special significance in Islam.

It is during this month that Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran – Islam’s holy book – were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which lay the basis for how Muslims are required to live their lives. The fast is observed during daylight hours.

This year, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days, with fasting starting on Monday 11 March and predicted to end on Tuesday 9 April.

Rahma Austria representative, Saeed Twahir, told JoyNews that 500 households were among the recipients. These households requested assistance since food is extremely crucial during this fasting period.

This is the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which coincides with recent economic hardships. The charity foundation says they are required by Islamic teachings to assist the vulnerable.

Rice, sugar, cooking oil, and other goods were distributed to each household. An amount of 100 cedis was also given to each of the households.

Beneficiaries told JoyNews that they are appreciative of the assistance adding that the packages will help them since they are unable to afford this season.

Sahadatu Saeed believes the foodstuff will be extremely beneficial during Ramadan when people fast from sunrise to sunset.

“The food is going help me a lot during this holy month as I have many people who stay with me,” he said.

She urged Rahma Austria to provide food aid to all people in need within the country.

The food supplies arrived just in time for Aisha Mohammed’s family.

“I’m very happy with the support we received and we’re very thankful to them because it’s a very hard time for every one of us to get food”she stated.

Vulnerable Muslim women, particularly widows, struggle to find permanent jobs to support their basic needs. Manual workers are rarely compensated daily. It gets even more challenging given the current economic downturn.

According to Saeed, Rahma Austria distributed the food in honour of the holy month, which is characterised by more charitable gestures and prayers. He stated that the organisation is working on multiple initiatives for the needy.

However, the food parcels are not the end of the group’s assistance as they will continue to help disadvantaged women.

Rahma Austria had already supported needy groups in Ghana. In Ramadan 2023, 400 households received food packages, and 100 livestock were donated to the public for Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s mandate.

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Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is an auspicious month marked by fasting, prayer and alms-giving.

In view of this, the Black Stars player known for his benevolence brought relief to the less privileged in some Muslim communities with a donation.

His team was seen moving from house-to-house giving out food to residents.

Amartey’s act of charity is no news to Ghanaians as he frequently donates to juvenile teams, colleagues, orphanages and selected persons.

He made headlines about a month ago when he gifted his former coach a car.

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Some depend on home deliveries, takeaways, and food joints to prepare a decent iftar – the breaking of the fast. They say it is a real-life struggle that must be addressed.

“I live alone. I am not married. l do not stay with my parents,” said 30-year-old Abdul Latif Saddick.

Abdul-Latif is always seen at Rais-Meena restaurant at the Asawase community to be served a plate of rice at a cost 30 cedis or more to break his fast.

“l have to make sure l come around to get something to break my fast even before l get home. Because we are fasting for more than 16, 17 hours, it is something that is very important for me to get something eaten before l get home,” he said.

Many Ramadan men who live away from their families and are stressed with time depend on takeout and home orders for breaking their fast.

For some, like Abdul-Latif, the sheer convenience and diversity of options in dining out make cooking at home a faraway possibility.

If Abdul-Latif regrets anything, it is the company of his family around him. He would have undoubtedly enjoyed a more conventional Ramadan.

“I don’t live with my mediate family. My dad is an old man who cannot cook and my mum is not around.”

However, he has a younger sister who works outside of Kumasi, making it challenging for him to cook and prepare himself for dinner and suhoor.

“It becomes very tiring and challenging,” he lamented.

Abdul-Latif, a sports journalist, says Ramadan makes him miss his family.

His Ramadan experience is similar to that of any other single Muslim man who lives alone.

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“Sometimes when you wake up at dawn – going out to buy even bread and egg to come and eat for the fast is not easy,” 33-year-old Abdul-Malik Farouk stated.

Abdul-Malik Farouk laments that when they go out, people will attack them at night, but he believes that if he had been married, he would have sat at home and allowed his wife to prepare food for him.

So, he is mostly reliant on home deliveries for his evening meal and ends his fast in the most practical way possible.

“As a bachelor, sometimes it’s very hectic for you to come and buy things outside. If I’m married, l will not be coming out to buy food outside like this,” he stressed.

The 33-year-old says he is sometimes worried and ashamed that he has to queue outside to buy food during Ramadan.

“l feel so worried sometimes. l feel so sad. l feel so ashamed for me to come out and buy food and be holding it on my way back home,” he expressed disappointment.

Both Abdul-Latif and Abdul-Malik rely a lot on eating out. Besides, they also miss the family bonding that happens during Ramadan.

Some of these bachelors’ dawn food or suhoor is really light. They make themselves a bowl of oat, a cup of tea among others.

“When l wake up during suhoor or at dawn the only thing l can help to prepare is Lipton with bread. Once in a while l combine it with date to start my Ramadan with,” said Abdul-Latif.

Abdul-Malik also does same. He normally takes coffee, bread and egg. “I take the bread and egg at dawn because l have no option than to take that,” he indicated.

Until both get to bond with their families in the next Ramadan or get married as they believe it could lessen their burden, they will continue to rely on takeaways and home deliveries to break their fast.

In one social media video, heavily armed Israeli police apparently use a rifle butt and sticks to beat Palestinian worshippers who had barricaded themselves inside the al-Aqsa mosque.

Israeli police have released their own footage which seems to show fireworks thrown by Palestinians, lighting up the prayer hall.

Pictures of the aftermath show overturned furniture and prayer mats scattered across the carpet.

With tensions already running high in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, for months, officials and diplomats have been warning about the risk of a new round of violence in this sacred spot at a highly sensitive time.

The al-Aqsa Mosque compound/Haram al-Sharif is the third holiest place in Islam. It is also known as Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism.

In the past, the compound has often seen clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli security forces, triggering wider unrest.

In May 2021, an Israeli raid here contributed to an 11-day full-scale conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist militant group which governs the Gaza Strip.

Last year, the first time that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the week-long Jewish holiday of Passover coincided in three decades, there were violent scenes over successive days as Israeli police cleared the courtyard before escorting Jewish visitors into the compound.

They said that stones were also thrown towards the Western Wall, down below the compound, the holiest place where Jews are allowed to pray.

From Wednesday evening, Ramadan and Passover overlap again. The next two weekends also mark Easter for Western churches and Eastern Orthodox ones.

All of the festivals draw more religious visitors to the Old City. As well as locals, some 60,000 tourists were due to arrive in Israel this week, according to official figures.

In recent days, there has been a festive buzz in the air at the gates of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Palestinians I spoke to were pleased there had been a huge turnout for prayers on the second Friday of Ramadan – with some 250,000 people attending, according to the Islamic Waqf which administers the site. Israeli authorities allowed some 70,000 Palestinians to enter Jerusalem from the West Bank.

Tens of thousands of Christians also gathered for Sunday’s Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives.

“This was good, but it’s always the political people who can make fire. That’s what everyone’s afraid of,” said Palestinian souvenir seller Marwan, as he sold candles to Christian pilgrims heading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – built where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

Prior to Wednesday’s morning’s unrest, Hamas called for worshippers to seal themselves in al-Aqsa mosque to stop a plan by Jewish extremists to try to sacrifice a goat for Passover at the hilltop site, resurrecting a biblical tradition.

Clashes began after a few hundred Palestinians barricaded themselves in the mosque after Ramadan prayers.

The majority were soon cleared out by Israeli police, but dozens remained inside. Police stated that what ensued was a “violent riot” by “lawbreakers and troublemakers” who they say desecrated the mosque.

Palestinian leaders condemned the Israeli attacks on worshippers as a crime, saying a “red line” had been crossed. Militants in Gaza swiftly responded by firing rockets at southern Israel, prompting Israel warplanes to bomb sites there linked to Hamas.

Jordan and Egypt, both involved in recent Washington-backed efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, were also highly critical of Israel’s actions.

Fears of further confrontations in the coming days are now heightened, particularly if Israeli officials such as the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir make a visit, or if Israeli police allow Jewish activists to pray at the sensitive site, breaking fragile, decades-old rules which apply there.

“We are always concerned about the attempts of Jewish extremists to upset the status quo,” Dr Mustafa Abu Sway, an Islamic scholar and member of the Islamic Waqf Council in Jerusalem, told me earlier this week.

He said the important last 10 days of Ramadan which begin next Tuesday, leading into Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, were a particular issue.

“Historically, Israel as an occupying force prevented Jewish extremists from entering during these 10 days. But with such a government in place, we are concerned that they will allow it,” he said.

Israeli authorities insist that they act to preserve freedom of worship at the religious site, which plays a highly symbolic role in the nationalist narratives of Israelis and Palestinians.

It is believed by Muslims to be the location where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven, while Jews revere it as the site of two Biblical temples, the second of which was destroyed in Roman times.

During this time Muslims worldwide will be fasting from sunrise to sunset, not eating or drinking anything during these hours of the day in an effort to bring themselves closer to Allah.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule including those who are unwell and pregnant women, as their bodies require more nutrients.

Muslim women who are menstruating during Ramadan are also exempt from fasting and excused from prayers – though they do still have to make up the fast at a later date.

While some may mistakenly believe that not having to fast is a good thing, it turns out that it comes with its own unique set of challenges.

London-based Engineering scientist Dr Fatumina Abukar told The Mirror how there can be a lot of ‘shame’ around being on your period during Ramadan and because of this many menstruating women often end up hiding food and lying about fasting.

This sense of ‘shame’ is something Fatumina has experienced personally, as she was raised not to talk about her periods.

“Until the age of 18, I felt very uncomfortable even getting pads because periods were not something I felt comfortable talking about. If I tried to talk about periods in front of my aunties they would be looking at me like ‘you shouldn’t be talking about this’,” she says.

“During Ramadan, you’re not just eating with your immediate family, you’re eating with uncles and young children and family friends, so the moment they see you eating [during the day], they know you are bleeding. Without even wanting to tell anyone, you’re shouting that you’re on your period and everyone reacts differently to that.

“So what I used to do was pretend I was fasting, I used to pretend that I was praying with the rest of the congregation, but really I was bleeding.

“You will be told by the elders not to talk about periods and if you do, you can end up being excluded because a big part of fasting is that you’re suffering together, it creates a sense of community.

“I’ve been in situations where I’ve spent hours cooking and helping other women in the kitchen and while I wasn’t eating for most of the day, they saw me take a small piece of bread or cheese and then when it came to eating time, I wasn’t offered the food, because I already ate.

“It’s an exclusion thing. Sitting in that room with everybody else, my needs were not met as much as that of the other people because they assumed that I’d been eating the whole day when in reality I found it difficult to eat as everyone, even non-Muslims, will ask you why you’re not fasting if they see you.”

Fatumina admits this can feel ‘lonely’ and it’s especially hard knowing that others who are exempt from fasting aren’t treated the same way as women on their period.

“It is lonely when you’re not fasting and you do feel excluded. You feel watched, it’s almost like a paranoia that everyone is watching you and judging you,” she explains.

“Religion-wise menstruating women are exempt from fasting during Ramadan. So, religion-wise, as a woman, you can eat in public, and you can eat privately, there is no issue in doing either. The issue comes from culture or society as there is a period taboo.

“Periods are not taken seriously, it’s seen as less serious than a headache and it’s the reason why I think a lot of people expect you to eat privately [during Ramadan]. Islamically you have every right to eat, but many women are made to feel disrespectful for it.

“There are people with other health conditions that are also exempt, for example, if you’ve got diabetes you don’t have to fast, but the funny thing is if someone has diabetes and isn’t fasting, no one questions them, it’s seen as a more legitimate reason to not be fasting than periods.

“If more people realised the physical and mental impact that periods have on you, then there would be more understanding, especially when it comes to fasting.

“Ramadan is all about being accepting and being loving and coming together and really and truly people should be nicer to a woman who is bleeding because we are not well and our body needs more nutrients.”

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The taboo surrounding periods isn’t something that’s specific to Islam but is a “worldwide issue” according to Fatumina, who after spending years feeling ashamed is now keen to normalise the conversation around menstruation.

She adds that she’s also no longer afraid to be open and honest about getting her period during Ramadan and will “talk about periods the way [she] talks about coffee” and hopes to encourage others to do the same.

“The shame is a societal problem. Periods are taboo almost everywhere in the world. But it’s the most basic biological thing, it shouldn’t be a big deal.

“I’ve got to a point, and it’s been this way for a couple of years, that I will shout out loud that I am on my period now.

“I’ve been in situations where my male cousins will make jokes when I go and see the bigger family and everyone is fasting and they’ll be like ‘why are you not praying? and I’ll be like ‘I’m bleeding through my vagina, do you want any more information’ and they’ll go ‘no, no, no, no’.

“The moment that I started becoming more open about it, it just became easier. Suddenly it wasn’t a secretive thing. When something is secretive there’s fear about it getting out, but once it’s out there it’s too late.

The items included 2,400 bags of rice, 600 bags of sugar, 200 cartons of milk, and 200 boxes of Lipton.

The food items will be distributed to the Muslim communities in the three cities as part of the business mogul’s yearly ritual of supporting the Muslim communities in the holy month.

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

This year, Ramadan commenced on April 3 and will end in a month’s time. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Muslims believe the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month.

According to him, women are people God listens to their prayers more often due to their caring heart.

This initiative was organised to bring together all Zongo women regardless of their political affiliation to pray for the country.

The event took place at the administration of the Second Lady, Her Excellency, Samira Bawumia, on the 2nd of April at the Kanda Central Mosque.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Futa said this marks the 4th annual Quran recitation organized by Zongo women and led by Samira Bawumia to kick start the holy month of Ramadan.

“Anytime they are getting towards their fasting and prayer season, they call all National Zongo Women to recite the Quran for God to reign His glorious blessings on them,” he said.

Deputy National Nasara Coordinator, Aysha Ibrahim, reiterated that the event marked the beginning of the year per their calendar where they recite the Quran to seek favour and protection from God through fasting and prayer.

She also advised all women in the Zongo communities to use this event to pray for the President of Ghana and his administration.

Mr Mahama was hopeful that this fasting period would strengthen love and compassion within the various communities.

“Wishing our beloved Muslim brothers and sisters an edifying Ramadan Mubarak.

“Sighting the sliver crescent moon symbolises Allah’s faithfulness and heralds the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, marked by purification, generosity, and self-sacrifice,” he wrote on his Facebook timeline.

While acknowledging the challenges many Ghanaians are experiencing, Mr Mahama prayed that the 30-day period will unveil Allah’s unfailing grace.

“May this holy period of fasting and prayer instill in us, love, empathy and compassion for one another, and bring to us, our families and our nation countless blessings,” he added.

The beneficiary community was Domeabra in the Asante Akyem North Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The food items donated included bags of rice, gallons of oil, packets of spaghetti, sugar, mackerel and sachets of tomato paste.

In attendance to support the presentation were representatives of the Hudai foundation, the Domeabra traditional council, assembly members and members of the community.

The Krontihene, Nana Afum Agyarko, who spoke on behalf of the community, commended Mr Kwarteng and Hudai for their kind gesture and entreated them to make it a stepping stone to greater opportunities.

He further used the opportunity to request a library facility and an Islamic school within the community.

The chief imam, Suleiman Musah, who received the items on behalf of the aged, expressed his profound gratitude to the donors.

Walui Nambe the assistant project coordinator, assured them of Hudai’s unflinching support to the community going forward.

But what if you’re not a Muslim — just a caring, considerate person. Is there anything you should do so you don’t come across as insensitive to your fasting friends during Ramadan? Short answer: No. Long answer: No.

But you can earn some cool points if you follow these 10 tips:

1. You can totally eat in front of us …

For the 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims around the world will abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry on business as usual. (Just turn a deaf ear to our growling stomachs.)

2. … but try not to schedule a work lunch

If you have to host a brown-bag, you should. But don’t feel bad if we sit there, like a vegetarian friend at a churrascaria. Ditto for a happy-hour mixer. If your Muslim co-worker takes a pass, understand.

3. You don’t have to fast with us …

You can if you want to see what it feels like. But it’s not going to hurt our feelings — even if we’re best friends.

4. … but you can join us for Iftar

Iftar is the breaking of the fast after sundown. We like to make it a big communal meal. You should come.

5. You don’t have to know when it begins …

Ramadan isn’t like Christmas or Thanksgiving, as in everyone knows exactly when it’ll fall. It bounces around, because the Islamic calendar is lunar. When it begins depends on when the new moon is seen. That’s why the precise dates change from year to year.

6. … but please be a little flexible

How we determine when Ramadan begins is decidedly old-school: You have to physically see the moon (even though there are apps for that). That’s why, if your co-worker says, “Starting tomorrow, can I start work early so I can leave sooner?” try to accommodate.

7. We’ll still go for coffee with you …

No, we can’t drink. Not even water. But we’ll walk with you if you want to take a break.

8. … but we may keep our distance

One word: Halitosis. You try not eating or drinking for the entire day. That’s why we’re standing a foot away from you when we talk.

9. You can say ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ …

There’s no “war on Christmas”-level controversy surrounding the greeting (it means “Happy Ramadan”). Your Muslim co-worker will appreciate the thoughtfulness.

10. … but please don’t say, ‘I should fast, too. I need to lose weight’

Ramadan’s not about that. Plus, one of Ramadan’s side effects is obesity (it’s all that post-sundown overeating).

This is after the Cheif Imam, through his spokesperson, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, on Friday, April 1, 2022, declared April 3, 2022, as the beginning of the month of Ramadan.

He explained that the decision was based on the fact that there had been no news on the sighting of a new moon from across the country.

“On this grounds, the Chief Imam is now using his position as the Grand Mufti and indeed in accordance with our jurisprudence… then he now recommends all Muslims in the country to begin the Ramadan automatically,” he added.

“What it means is that Sunday, the 3rd of April becomes the first day of Ramadan 2022,” he added.

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

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

Each year, millions of Muslims around the world fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting in Ramadan involves abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset.

The Islamic community in Ghana began their month-long fast on Sunday after the National Chief Imam, Shiekh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, declared April 3, as the start date for the 2022 Ramadan.

In a message posted on Facebook, Sunday, the President urged Muslims to commit to the essence of the period.

“It is a month of intense devotion and commitment to the principles of love, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.

“I urge Muslims to strive to live by these values, and cloak the month of Ramadan in sanctity and holiness,” he said.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar for fasting, prayer, and introspection.

Below is his post on Facebook:

The food items, including; rice, maize, beans, cooking oil, and other items, are expected to reach 15,000 Muslim families within the Ghanaian Muslim communities.

The Eta’am project, which King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Centre solely fund, is a fulfilment of one key pillar of Islam, Zakat, i.e. payment made annually under Islamic law for charitable and religious purposes.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Ghana, Mesha Bin Hamdan Alrogi, said that the food items will serve some 15,000 households and demonstrate the significance of the sacred month of Ramadan and what is expected from Muslims throughout that period.

Since its inception in 2015, Ambassador Mesha Bin Hamdan said the Eta’am project has become a focal point through which government assisted people.

Apart from the donation of food items, the Ambassador also announced to the gathering that the Saudi government has increased the quota for scholarships for Ghanaians to enable a lot more qualified students to benefit from pursuing their academic dreams by studying in the field of their choice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

National Coordinator for the Zongo Development Secretariat, Ben Abdallah, encouraged the youth to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities made available by the Saudi government.

The Saudi government has, over the years, worked closely with the Government of Ghana by providing loans and grant facilities to help close the country’s infrastructure deficit, particularly in the road sector.

Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency in the Ashanti region, Muntaka Mubarak, who was present at the ceremony, charged the Muslim community in Ghana to take education seriously if they are to break out of the shackles of poverty which has created vulnerability within the Muslim communities across the country.

The food items have since been donated to the beneficiaries ahead of the Ramadan fast expected to commence this weekend.

In a press statement dated May 1, the Head of Public Relations, Cassandra Twumasi indicated that students nationwide who wish to fast for religious obligations would not be hindered from doing so.

Wesley Girls’ High School had prevented a Muslim student, Bushira Ishmael from fasting to prevent them from developing various health conditions.

Her father, Ishmael Zakaria Alhassan stormed the school in Cape Coast to withdraw his ward from the school.

Muslim Caucus in Parliament also held a meeting with the leadership of the Methodist Church in Ghana over the matter.

The National Chief Imam, Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu is said to be disappointed in the decision taken by the school.

Based on this backdrop, GES in a statement asked parents of such wards to write to the school relieving it of any obligation should such students suffer health complications.

“The parents of such student are also directed to write to the school indicating that the school shall not be held liable for any health condition of the student as a result of the fast. Staff, students and the general public are to take note,” Management stated.

Below is the full statement

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 donation is to aid the Muslim community through the 30-day fasting period.

Leader of King Solomon Universal Temple together with members of the church made the donation among other items to the central mosque.

Evangelist Kwaku Dankwah used the opportunity to condemn television programmes that are against the will of God.

Ashanti Regional Chief Imam advised Muslims and Christians to continue to live in harmony.

Sheik Abdul Mumin Harun says the only way to build better Ghana is through the unity between these two religions.

He gave background narrations to support the fact that Muslims and Christians had lived together peaceful before.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world celebrate and reflect on the purpose of life and grow closer to Allah.

Whether its waking up early, or praying, Muslims create traditions and bonds that will last forever.

“Let us use this period of devotion and purity to pray for the continuous peace and prosperity of our country, and the well-being of loved ones,” he said.

In a brief message posted on his Facebook page Tuesday, Dr Bawumia urged Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to reinforce the importance of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and people of other faith.

“The sacred month of Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to renew our faith in the Almighty Allah, and also show love and kindness to all, regardless of their religious affiliation to reinforce the importance of our peaceful coexistence as a people,” he said.

The Vice President also called for continuous observation of the Covid-19 safety protocols, especially in the various mosques.

“Let us also be mindful of the presence of Covid-19 and continue to observe the safety protocols, especially in our various mosques,” he added.

Below is Dr Bawumia’s post on Facebook:

On the occasion of the commencement of Ramadan Fast today, the NPP wishes all Muslims in Ghana and across the globe, a fruitful Ramadan. Ramadan, as we all know, is a period within the Islamic calendar where Muslims all over the world, observe Fasting, in accordance with the dictates of the Holy Qur’an and the Islamic faith. This period is characterized by alms-giving and significant supplication to Almighty Allah.

Ramadan happens to be the Month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and so, it is deemed, the most important and blessed month of the year. Through Fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathises with those who have little to eat and drink every day through almsgiving in order to fully benefit from the bountiful blessings of the Holy Month.

Unfortunately, this year’s Ramadan, just like last year’s, is being marked at a time the world is facing its biggest public health crisis occasioned by the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, said to be the biggest existential threat to the human race. Owing to this, Muslims are having to make significant adjustments to the traditional ways of marking the Ramadan Fast some of which are at the heart of Ramadan festivities.

Much as Ghana has made significant gains in our Covid-19 fight, we are still not entirely out of the woods yet. In view of this, while calling on all Muslims in Ghana and across the globe to completely submit themselves to the very dictates and requirements of Ramadan, the NPP also calls on them to dedicate this scared Month to intensifying their supplications to Almighty Allah to shower His grace on mankind and make us see the end of this deadly virus sooner than anticipated.

The party also calls on Muslims living in Ghana to use this special occasion to pray for our leaders, government and nation, to overcome all the ills plaguing our society and put us on the path of sustained growth and prosperity. May the month of Ramadan, which is the most blessed month in the year, be that month that the world finds complete solace in this period of global health crisis.

Once again, RAMADAN MUBARAK and may Almighty Allah accept our Fast and grant us Jannatul Firdaus.

Assalamu alaikum

…Signed…

JOHN BOADU
GENERAL SECRETARY, NPP

To declare the beginning of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries depend on the testimonies of local moon sighters.

Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are all expected to follow Saudi Arabia’s sighting of the new moon.

Other countries have independent sightings, but Indonesia, Lebanon, Morocco and Syria are also likely to begin fasting starting Tuesday while countries further east and west will commence as the moon is sighted.

When can we see the new moon?

The Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has announced that Ramadan’s new moon will be born on April 12 at 02:31 GMT, according to astronomers. On that day, the moon might be visible in parts of North, Central and South America. On April 13, the moon will be easily visible in most parts of the world.

The actual visibility of the crescent will depend on factors such as atmospheric conditions, cloudiness and the distance between the sun and the moon on the horizon.

The moon phases of Ramadan

Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon on the 29th night of each month. If the new moon is not visible, the month lasts 30 days.

Why is Ramadan holy?

For Muslims, Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran, Islam’s holy book, were revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.

Throughout the month, observing Muslims fast from just before the sunrise, or Fajr, prayer to the sunset prayer, Maghrib.

The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca if physically and financially capable.

In many Muslim-majority countries, working hours are reduced, and many restaurants are closed during fasting hours.

“Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are common greetings exchanged in this period, wishing the recipient a blessed and generous month respectively.

Last year, fasting hours across the world ranged from 10 to 20 hours a day.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In Arabic, it means “festival of breaking the fast”.

Depending on the actual start date of Ramadan and the new moon sighting on the 29th night of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr this year is likely to fall on May 12.

The items which include bags of rice, tins of milo, boxes of quaker oats, packs of toilet rolls and boxes of carbonated soap will enable the inmates break their fast with ease and help them maintain personal hygiene without difficulties in their journey through the holy month of Ramadan.

Presenting the items, the Crime Check Foundation, explained due to the inhibited liberty of the inmates, it is imperative to support them to successfully journey through the holy Month.

“As we all know, we are in the Holy Month of Ramadan where all Muslims around the world are embarking on a fast. Most of our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Prisons are also taking part but they do not have their freedom to have access to some basic necessities.

It is therefore the duty of those of us who have our liberty to support them.” Leader of the team, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng said

Receiving the items for the male inmates, Superintendent Imam Mohammed Muktar Adam on behalf of the inmates expressed gratitude to CCF and its anonymous donor and Hajia Barikisu based in the US for the gesture.

He said the items will be of a great help to them as it will enable them to fast without blemish. “We thank you very much for presenting these items to us to augment what we already have so that we can continue our fasting. We pray that Allah the Almighty will bless HajiaBarikisu and replenish all that she has spent in the course of Allah the Almighty,” he said.

Superintendent Mutkar showed his indebtedness to the team for thier self-sacrifice and dedication towards helping the Prisons Service achieve its mandate.

“We pray that Allah the Almighty will bless and protect the Executive Director of CCF, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng for what you have been doing for the prisons. What you are doing the reward should be paradise.” He prayed.

Through the contribution of Barikisu, similar donation was made to the female prison which was received by Deputy Superintendent of Prisons, Rosamond Addo-Darko on behalf of the Muslims inmates.

DSP Rosamond thanked the Foundation and its donor for the support. She appealed however for more aid. “On behalf other prison officers I say thank you to Barikisu for considering the inmates and coming to our aid. We need more support and we are hopeful that more support will come,” she said.

The Foundation is appealing to generous individuals and organizations to come to the aid of the inmates to enable them embark on the journey through the Holy Month Ramadan without difficulty and also support the Prisons Service to increase the GHS 1.8 feeding fee of the inmates.

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.

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.