Accra, Ghana – His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has expressed deep gratitude to Allah for blessing the nation with wisdom, patience, and unity during its electoral process.
Addressing a congregation at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving Service held at the National Mosque in Kanda, President Mahama commended the collective efforts of stakeholders in ensuring a peaceful and successful election.
“With Allah’s guidance, we have navigated this process without significant upheavals,” the President remarked. He acknowledged the divine intervention that safeguarded Ghana’s stability during a critical period and expressed his appreciation to all who contributed to the achievement.
Gratitude to Key Stakeholders
President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s electoral success was not a matter of chance but the result of the dedication and collaboration of various groups.
“This achievement reflects the collective effort of numerous stakeholders who prioritized Ghana’s stability above all else,” he said. He commended the Electoral Commission for its professionalism, the security agencies for maintaining peace, and the political party agents and other participants who worked tirelessly to make the election a success. “May Allah bless you all for your service to our nation.”
A New Holiday for Eid al-Fitr
In a gesture of inclusivity and respect for Ghana’s religious diversity, President Mahama announced plans to amend the Holidays Act to introduce an additional holiday for Muslims in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
“We will amend the Holidays Act to include an extra day for Eid al-Fitr,” the President declared. He explained that this initiative aims to give Muslims more time to rest and celebrate after the holy month of Ramadan, honoring their contributions to national unity and development.
This move aligns with the President’s broader commitment to fostering harmony among Ghana’s diverse religious communities.
Reducing the Cost of Hajj
President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable for Ghanaian Muslims.
He described this pledge as a cornerstone of his efforts to support the Muslim community.
“One of my key promises to the Muslim community is to significantly reduce the cost of Hajj,” he stated. “This will ease the financial burden on many and enable more Muslims to fulfill this sacred obligation.”
To realize this vision, the President announced the establishment of a Hajj Task Force, led by the Honorable Collins Dauda, a veteran Member of Parliament.
The five-member team will travel to Saudi Arabia to attend the Hajj Conference, where they will negotiate and finalize arrangements for the upcoming pilgrimage.
“The Hajj Task Force will leave for the holy land on Monday,” President Mahama revealed. “Their mission is to secure agreements that will substantially lower Hajj fares and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience for Ghanaian Muslims.”
A Broader Vision for the Muslim Community
The President stressed that reducing Hajj costs is part of a broader agenda to improve the welfare of Ghana’s Muslim population.
He highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the need to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied the opportunity to fulfill their religious duties due to financial constraints.
“This initiative goes beyond cost reduction,” he explained. “It’s about recognizing the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters and giving them the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream.”
President Mahama concluded by reaffirming his government’s dedication to unity, inclusivity, and the well-being of all Ghanaians.
He called on the nation to continue working together to build a future that honors diversity and celebrates shared values.
“Let us remain united as one people under Allah’s guidance, striving together for the peace and progress of Ghana,” he said.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
