President John Dramani Mahama pledges to the Muslim families that his government is actively working to reduce the high cost of performing Hajj, promising a significant drop in fares by next year should the cedi continue to stabilise.
Addressing thousands of worshippers at the national Eid al-Adha prayers at Black Star Square in Accra, President Mahama acknowledged that despite efforts to cut costs this year, Hajj fares remained burdensome for many families.
“If our pilgrims were travelling today, the fare would be around GH₵45,000,” the President revealed. “But we are working closely with Saudi authorities, and if the cedi continues its recent strength, I am confident that next year we will see a substantial reduction.”
The promise was one of several announcements made by the President aimed at supporting Ghana’s Muslim community, improving the lives of youth in Zongo communities, and fostering national unity and development.
Zongo development framework
In a strong reaffirmation of his administration’s focus on inclusive growth, President Mahama declared that Zongo communities and inner cities would no longer be neglected.
“We will ensure that Zongo communities are no longer left behind,” he said.
“Under our new Zongo Development Framework, we are focusing on infrastructure, sanitation, health, sports, and vocational training.”
He appealed to the youth in Zongos and beyond to take advantage of key government initiatives, including the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawurah Initiative, both of which aim to provide capital, skills training, and mentorship for young entrepreneurs.
“Our economic reset agenda cannot succeed without the youth, especially the vibrant Zongo youth,” President Mahama said. “That’s why our new programmes under the Youth Employment Agency are designed not just to give jobs, but to build independence, leadership, and dignity.”
Day of prayer and thanksgiving set for July 1
President Mahama also announced plans for a historic National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to be held on July 1 — the day Ghana became a republic. A multi-religious committee of Muslims and Christians has been tasked with organising the event.
“Allah says if we thank Him, He will increase us in blessings,” the President said. “And I am confident that after July 1, the cedi will grow stronger, the economy will improve, and life will be better for Ghanaians.”
Eid al-Fitr holiday bill ready for Parliament
Responding to longstanding appeals from the Muslim community, President Mahama revealed that the government had prepared a Bill to officially designate Eid al-Fitr as a statutory public holiday.
“Once Parliament passes the Bill and it receives Presidential assent, Eid al-Fitr will be recognised as a national holiday by law,” he said, emphasising the importance of honouring the spiritual significance of the festival.
Strengthening Islamic education and opportunities
The President announced a package of reforms and support for Islamic education in Ghana, beginning with instructions to the Minister of Education to work closely with the Islamic Education Unit.
“Arabic education will no longer be marginalised,” he said. “Our Islamic schools must have the support they need to thrive.”
As part of this, abandoned infrastructure projects at the Al-Faruq College of Education in Wenchi would soon resume. The college, he noted, was vital to the training of qualified Arabic and Islamic education instructors.
In addition, the Scholarship Secretariat has been tasked with developing a dedicated programme for Muslim students pursuing higher education in disciplines such as medicine, law, ICT, engineering, and social sciences.
“This is part of our equity agenda,” he said, “to empower all segments of Ghanaian society to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Eid Message: Compassion, sacrifice, and unity
In his Eid message, President Mahama reminded Ghanaians that Eid al-Adha was not just about animal sacrifice, but also about community, compassion, and care for the vulnerable.
“Those who can afford to sacrifice must divide the meat — one portion for family, one for neighbours, and one for the poor,” he urged.
“Let this celebration be a time to reach out with kindness and presence of mind.”
He called on citizens to recommit to the values of faith, sacrifice, love, and unity, emphasising that “Ghana will be at its best when we care for one another across faiths and backgrounds.”
A call for peace – Home and abroad
President Mahama concluded with a heartfelt plea for peace in Ghana and around the world.
“Let us pray for peace in Bawku, Sudan, Ukraine, and Russia,” he said. “Let us walk together in hope, and never forget that Ghana belongs to all of us — not just a few.”
