President John Mahama has assured Muslims community that the cost of performing the sacred Hajj pilgrimage could significantly drop next year if the cedi maintains its current strength.
Addressing worshippers gathered at the Black Star Square for the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, the President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of the Muslim community.
The financial burden of undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca remains a pressing concern for many families. The President acknowledged this challenge, stating that efforts are underway to work with relevant agencies and Saudi counterparts to ease the cost.
“On the matter of Hajj, I’m deeply aware of the financial burden it has placed on many Muslim families. This year, despite efforts, the cost remain high, even though we cut it. But I want to assure you that we are working closely with the relevant agencies and our Saudi counterparts, and if Allah accepts our supplications, and the Cedi continues to show the recent strength that it has shown, I’m optimistic that next year we’ll see a very significant drop in the Hajj fare,“ President Mahama declared.
Additionally, the President announced key improvements in Islamic education. He disclosed that he has directed the Minister for Education to strengthen the operations of the Islamic Education Unit.
This initiative will facilitate the recruitment and training of more qualified Arabic instructors across the country.
In a response to a long-standing appeal from the Muslim community, President Mahama also revealed that his government has prepared a bill to designate Eid al-Fitr as an official public holiday. “This new (holiday) recognises the profound spiritual importance of the festival of Eid al-Fitr in Muslim life,” he announced, adding that the proposal would soon be presented to Parliament.
The President’s remarks were met with appreciation from members of the Muslim community, many of whom are hopeful that these promises will soon be fulfilled.
