John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2024 elections, has pledged to introduce a two-day Eid-ul Fitr holiday for Ghana’s Muslim community if he is elected as president.

During his campaign tour in Gambaga and Nalerigu in the North East Region on Wednesday, 2 October  2024, Mr. Mahama promised to enhance the recognition of Islamic religious practices by giving Muslims an extended holiday to fully celebrate Eid.

Addressing a crowd in Gambaga, Mr. Mahama acknowledged the challenges Muslims face due to the varying sighting of the moon, which often leads to different days for the Eid-ul Fitr celebration.

He said his plan would ensure all Muslims have the opportunity to fully observe the holiday.

“We are going to add one more holiday to the Eid-ul Fitr holiday. After fasting, sometimes there is confusion. Some people pray on one day, and others pray on the other day because they didn’t see the moon or they saw the moon,” Mr. Mahama explained.

“So we are adding one more day so that whether you break the fast today or you break the fast tomorrow, you get a holiday to rest and celebrate the Eid-ul Fitr.”

Mr. Mahama also bemoaned the abandonment of development projects initiated during his previous tenure.

He vowed to revive these stalled projects if re-elected, ensuring they benefit the people.

“It is unfortunate that projects started by my administration remain abandoned. We will resume them and also complete those started by this government,” Mr. Mahama assured, while also pledging to “reset the damaged economy” and improve the living conditions of Ghanaians.