Ramadan 2026 Begins: Chief Imam Officially Announces Start of Fasting in Ghana | Discuss Ghana

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has officially announced the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan 2026. Following the traditional moon-sighting protocols established during the 32nd Annual National Ramadan Conference in Takoradi, Thursday, February 19, 2026, marks the first day of fasting for the Muslim Ummah in Ghana.

The announcement comes after a coordinated search for the crescent moon on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, which corresponded to the 29th day of Sha’ban 1447 AH.

Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu

---

Key Resolutions from the Takoradi National Ramadan Conference

The start date was finalized based on the framework developed at the national conference held in Takoradi, Western Region, from January 29 to 31, 2026. The communiqué issued by the Office of the National Chief Imam highlighted several critical social and economic issues:

Drug Abuse Crisis: The conference described the rise in drug abuse among the youth as a "growing national emergency" and called for a holistic response involving religious leaders, parents, and health professionals.

Islamic Finance & Non-Interest Banking: The communiqué addressed the introduction of non-interest banking by the Bank of Ghana, noting that Muslims expect meaningful opportunities for social justice through products like Musharaka (partnership) and Mudaraba (profit-sharing).

Equitable STEM & TVET Education: Leaders urged the government to ensure that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and technical vocational schools are located in areas accessible to Muslim communities to reduce unemployment and promote national development.

---

Spiritual Guidelines and Community Call

In his Ramadan message, the National Chief Imam urged all Muslims to use the fasting period to seek closeness to Allah and pray for national peace.

The Essence of Fasting: Fasting is obligatory for every healthy, adult Muslim of sound mind. Beyond abstaining from food and water from dawn to sunset, the month is a time for increased charity (Sadaqah), reflection, and avoiding unlawful desires.

Unity and Uniformity: To ensure national uniformity, the Chief Imam's office emphasized that only verified sightings relayed to regional representatives and officially announced on national television should be followed.

Prayers for Security: Given recent subregional tensions, Muslims are encouraged to pray specifically for the safety of the nation and its borders.