Eid-ul-Fitr Celebration: President Mahama Champions Unity, Peace and Development

In a heartfelt address at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations held at the Black Star Square, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity, development, and peace across Ghana.

Speaking before an esteemed gathering including the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Zongo communities, President Mahama emphasized the values of sacrifice, discipline, and compassion that define Ramadan and the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr as a moment for national reflection.

“It is with a heart full of joy and humility that I stand before you here today, marking my first Eid-ul-Fitr celebration with you since I became President for a second time. Today is a day of joy, thanksgiving, and renewal of faith. It also reminds us of the values that define us as a people. Faith, sacrifice, unity, and compassion are what we need.

“Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink. It is a time for deep spiritual reflection. It is a time for self-discipline, and it is a time for kindness towards others.”

President Mahama underscored the importance of unity in Ghana, urging citizens to reject hatred, division, and intolerance.

Acknowledging the religious harmony that has long characterized the nation, he called on Ghanaians to cherish and protect this invaluable trait.

He encouraged individuals to use the spirit of Ramadan as an opportunity to mend broken relationships, advocating for peace and reconciliation within communities.

“Ghana’s development will not be determined by our divisions, but by our unity. I therefore urge all Ghanaians, especially our religious leaders, our community elders, and our youth to keep fostering peace and understanding amongst us.

“Let us reject division, let us reject hatred, and let us reject intolerance. The Ghana we desire can only be built through collaboration and mutual respect.”

He commended the peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups in the country, noting that such harmony is a foundation for national progress.

Investing in Zongo Communities and Education:

Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Muslim communities to Ghana’s development, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable progress across all regions, particularly within Zongo communities.

He highlighted the need for investments in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment as a means of bridging development gaps.

“We must invest in quality education for our children. We must improve health care facilities and create opportunities that will help our youth to achieve their full potential.”

The President emphasized education as the most powerful tool for change, reminding young Muslims that Islam itself encourages lifelong learning. He urged them to embrace education as a path to empowerment, social mobility, and national development.

“So it is important to be a faithful Muslim, but it’s also important to be an educated Muslim,” he remarked, stressing the role of education in equipping young people with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world.

The Importance of Charity and Social Responsibility:

Drawing attention to the principles of charity (Zakat and Sadaqa), President Mahama encouraged the Muslim community to extend kindness to the less privileged, including orphans, widows, the unemployed, and the elderly.

“Let us not forget our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. When we leave here after Salah, everyone should look for an orphan, a widow, or an elderly person and show them an act of kindness.”

He stressed that caring for the vulnerable is not just an Islamic duty but a national responsibility. A nation that prioritizes the welfare of its weakest members, he argued, would continue to receive divine blessings.

Youth Empowerment and Digital Transformation:

President Mahama placed a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, urging young Ghanaians to prepare themselves for the challenges of the modern digital economy.

He reiterated his government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that fosters job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development.

“In this era of digital transformation, economic challenges, and global competition, our youth must equip themselves with the knowledge, skills, and discipline necessary to thrive.”

While emphasizing faith, he encouraged young Muslims to balance their spiritual commitments with hard work and academic pursuits, as both are essential for shaping the country’s future.

Tackling Flooding and Illegal Construction:

In a stern warning against illegal construction in waterways, President Mahama identified reckless urban planning as a key contributor to the devastating floods that have plagued many communities.

He vowed to enforce strict regulations to curb this practice, promising that illegally constructed structures in flood-prone areas would be demolished.

“This reckless disregard for planning regulations and environmental safety is a major contributor to the devastating floods that continue to plague our communities.”

He revealed that some private businesses, in collaboration with certain traditional authorities, had been converting water retention areas into built-up zones, insisting that such actions must stop, as they pose serious dangers to lives and property. “The law will be enforced, and those who flout it will face the consequences,” he warned.

A Caution Against Reckless Driving During Eid Festivities:

President Mahama also expressed concern over reckless driving and motorcycle riding during Eid celebrations, which in the past have led to tragic accidents and loss of life.

He instructed law enforcement agencies to be on high alert to curb such dangerous behaviors. “No one must die at the end of the celebration of the holy month of Ramadan. If you ride recklessly or drive recklessly, we will arrest you,” he cautioned.

His statement reflected a broader commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens during national celebrations.

Renewed Commitment to Peace in Bawku:

President Mahama took the opportunity to appeal to the people of Bawku to embrace peace, emphasizing that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of conflict.

He called on all factions involved in the ongoing conflict in the area to lay down their arms and work towards reconciliation.

“On this holy occasion, where we celebrate the feast of Eid al-Fitr after the holy month of Ramadan, my brothers and sisters in Bawku, let us give peace a chance.”

Presiden Mahamah’s call for peace in Bawku aligns with broader national efforts to resolve long-standing ethnic and chieftaincy disputes that have hindered development in the area.

As he concluded his address, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to governance centered on inclusivity, social justice, and development, while assuring Ghanaians that his promises were not mere rhetoric but represented a solemn commitment to improving lives across all communities.

“As we celebrate the culmination of a month of devotion with two days of Muslim holidays, as I promised, I reaffirm my commitment to the social contract I have made with you, the Muslim community, and the people of Ghana.

“My promises are not just words. They represent a solemn commitment to enhance the lives of every Ghanaian irrespective of their background or their faith.”

He assured the Muslim community that his administration remains dedicated to policies that promote education, healthcare, job creation, and infrastructural development, ensuring that all citizens benefit from national progress.

President Mahama’s Eid-ul-Fitr address was a clarion call for unity, development, and peace in Ghana. He urged Ghanaians to uphold religious harmony, invest in education, support the less privileged, and reject divisions.

His message underscored the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of faith or background, has an opportunity to thrive.

As Muslims in Ghana and around the world celebrate Eid, the President’s speech serves as a reminder that the values of sacrifice, charity, and unity, central to Ramadan, should continue to guide national development.