Baba Jamal Commends President Mahama for Additional Eid Holiday | Discuss Ghana

The newly sworn-in Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Hon. Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, has expressed his profound gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the declaration of an additional public holiday for this year's Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

The appreciation follows the government's announcement that Monday, March 23, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday nationwide, creating a four-day weekend for the festivities.

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A "Thoughtful Step" Toward Inclusivity

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 19, Baba Jamal described the move as a landmark gesture for the Muslim community:

Addressing Fasting Variances: The MP noted that because Muslims sometimes end their Ramadan fast on different days based on regional moon sightings, the introduction of "Shaqq Day" (the day after Eid) as a statutory holiday ensures that everyone is included in the national break.

Reinforcing National Unity: He praised the President for using the Executive Instrument (E.I.) to move the holiday to Monday, as the statutory Shaqq Day (March 21) falls on a Saturday this year.

Religious Tolerance: Baba Jamal emphasized that such "thoughtful" policies reinforce Ghana's status as a beacon of religious tolerance, where the state actively accommodates the spiritual needs of all citizens.

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Context: The 2025 Holiday Amendment

The additional holiday is part of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed by the Mahama administration to officially expand Muslim festivals:

Two-Day Eid-ul-Fitr: The Act established Shaqq Day as a permanent statutory holiday following Eid-ul-Fitr.

Two-Day Eid-ul-Adha: It also established Tashreeq Day as a holiday following the Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) festival.

The "Monday Rule": Under Section 2 of the Act, if any of these statutory holidays fall on a weekend, the President has the authority to declare the following Monday as an additional holiday to ensure citizens enjoy their full rest.

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Baba Jamal's Return to Parliament

The MP's comments come just days after his official swearing-in on March 10, 2026.

By-Election Victory: Baba Jamal won the Ayawaso East seat in a high-stakes by-election on March 3, following the passing of the former MP, Hon. Naser Toure Mahama, in January.

Mandate: Representing a constituency with a large Muslim population (including Nima and Accra New Town), Baba Jamal has vowed to prioritize issues of social inclusivity and local development during his tenure.

"This extra holiday is not just about rest; it is about respect. It shows that the 'National Reset' values every faith that contributes to our national fabric." — Hon. Baba Jamal.