The Ministry of the Interior has officially declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays in Ghana. This announcement comes in recognition of the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which falls on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The decision to extend the holiday was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, March 22, by the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak. According to the statement, Eid-ul-Fitr is a statutory public holiday. However, since this year’s celebration falls on a Sunday, the government has decided to extend the holiday to the following Monday and Tuesday to allow for full observance of the occasion.
The extension of the holiday was made possible through an Executive Instrument (E.I.) issued by President John Dramani Mahama, invoking Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601). This move aligns with Ghana’s longstanding practice of ensuring that public holidays that fall on weekends are observed on the next working day.
The decision to declare an additional day, Tuesday, April 1, as a holiday has been seen as a fulfillment of one of President Mahama’s campaign promises to acknowledge the contributions of the Muslim community to Ghana’s national development. The move has been widely welcomed by Muslim groups and leaders across the country, who see it as an important gesture of inclusion and recognition.
Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time for gratitude, charity, and family gatherings, where Muslims come together to celebrate their spiritual journey and the blessings of the past month.
The declaration of these holidays is expected to allow Muslims in Ghana to fully participate in religious activities and traditional festivities associated with Eid. Many families take advantage of the occasion to travel, visit loved ones, and engage in community celebrations. Religious leaders have encouraged citizens to use the period to foster unity, peace, and goodwill among all communities.
In response to the announcement, some business owners have expressed concerns about the economic impact of an extended holiday. However, others believe that the break will provide workers an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate, ultimately benefiting productivity in the long run.
Security agencies have also assured the public that adequate measures will be put in place to maintain order during the celebrations. The Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement bodies are expected to increase patrols and provide necessary security to ensure a peaceful holiday period.
As the country prepares for the celebrations, many are looking forward to a festive and peaceful Eid-ul-Fitr, with hopes that the occasion will strengthen the bonds of national unity and social harmony.
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