President John Dramani Mahama on Friday joined Muslims across Ghana to observe Eid-ul-Adha prayers, urging Ghanaians to uphold the values of sacrifice, compassion, peace and national unity.
Addressing worshippers during the Eid celebrations, the President said the sacred festival was not only a time for celebration but also a moment for deep reflection on humanity’s relationship with God and responsibilities toward one another.
“Today is not just a day of celebration, it is a day of reflection about our relationship with God and our responsibilities towards one another as human beings,” President Mahama stated.
He explained that Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the obedience and faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who was prepared to sacrifice his son in fulfilment of Allah’s command before the sacrifice was replaced with a ram.
“This story remains one of the greatest examples of faith, sacrifice, patience and trust in God,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that the significance of Eid-ul-Adha extends beyond the slaughtering of animals, saying the occasion calls for selflessness, honesty, compassion and unity among people.
“The occasion calls on us to sacrifice, be selfless, don’t hate one another, not to be greedy, not to divide amongst ourselves, not to be dishonest and not to be indifferent to each other’s suffering,” he noted.
Quoting Surah Al-Hajj from the Holy Quran, the President said Allah values righteousness and sincerity over physical sacrifice.
“So it is not the meat that you slaughter or the blood that is spilled that will reach Allah. What will reach Allah is your heart and how pious you are,” he added.
The President commended Ghana’s longstanding religious harmony and called on citizens to preserve the peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
“Ghana continues to stand out as a shining example of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds,” he said.
He urged Ghanaians to reject extremism, tribal divisions and political intolerance, stressing the need to safeguard national unity.
President Mahama also paid tribute to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, describing him as a symbol of humility, tolerance and peace-building.
“We are blessed in Ghana to have the enduring example of our revered National Chief Imam whose life continues to inspire all Ghanaians through his humility, compassion, simplicity and tolerance,” he stated.
Touching on youth development, the President advised young people to avoid drug abuse and remain focused on education, skills training and entrepreneurship.
“Our nation needs young people who are focused on education, skills, hard work, entrepreneurship and service to humanity,” he said.
On the economy, President Mahama acknowledged the challenges inherited by his administration but assured Ghanaians that signs of recovery were beginning to emerge.
“Over the past months, we have worked diligently to stabilize the economy, restore confidence and build a stronger foundation for growth and job creation,” he said.
The President highlighted government interventions under the 24-hour economy policy, apprenticeship programmes and industrial transformation agenda aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
He also announced plans to improve infrastructure in Zongo communities across the country, including road rehabilitation, sanitation, healthcare and educational facilities.
“We are determined to improve infrastructure, sanitation, education, healthcare and economic opportunities across all Zongos in Ghana,” he assured.
President Mahama further disclosed that government had recruited and fully paid 6,000 Arabic teachers through the Youth Employment Agency to support Islamic education and youth employment. “The government doesn’t owe them one cedi. We pay them up to date,” he said.
The President added that government intends to expand the programme by recruiting more Arabic teachers in the coming years.
He also announced plans to construct modern community day STEM secondary schools in densely populated urban and Zongo communities to improve access to science and technology education.
“By this initiative, we shall bring quality STEM education to the doorsteps of our deprived communities,” he stated.
President Mahama further revealed that steps were underway to operationalise the Soyeya Fund to provide microcredit support for small businesses in Zongo communities.
“This will give small credits to our mothers and sisters and others who sell waakye and other food,” he explained.
On this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the President said about 6,900 Ghanaian pilgrims had successfully travelled to Saudi Arabia and commended the Ghana Hajj Board for ensuring smooth arrangements.
However, he expressed condolences over the death of a Ghanaian pilgrim during the pilgrimage.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” he said.
President Mahama concluded by calling on all Ghanaians to remain united and committed to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
“Let us continue to support one another, safeguard our country’s peace, and work together to build a stronger and more prosperous Ghana,” he said.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
