Takoradi: Muslims in Ghana will on the dusk of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, embark on a moon sighting mission to commence the 2026 Ramadan fast.

If successful, the month-long fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. However, if not sighted, the annual 29-30 days fast will commence on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The National Hilal Committee of Ghana made the announcement in a communique issued at the end of the 32nd Annual National Ramadan Conference held on the theme,”Our Earth, Our Future”.

“The first day for sighting of the moon shall start on Wednesday, the 18th day of February 2026, when Shaban shall be 29 days. If the moon is sighted, Thursday, the 19th day of February 2026, becomes the first day of Ramadan.

“If not sighted, that is, if the moon is not sighted, Thursday, 19th February 2026 becomes the 30th day of Shaban. Then Friday, 20th of February 2026, shall automatically be the first day of Ramadan 2026,” the communique highlighted.

The document was read by Alhaji Osmanu Seidu, Executive Secretary of the Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI), at the end of the two-day conference held in Sekondi-Takoradi.

Sheikh Armeyaw Shuaib, the spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, commended the Muslim denominations for their commitment to the National Hilal Committee.

The committee made up of representatives from the various Muslim sects is responsible for sighting the new crescent moon (Hilal) to determine the beginning and end of Islamic months, most notably for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

He said Muslims stand to be much stronger and achieve more if they stay united to the cause of Islam.

Among other things, he advocated for the creation of youth volunteers at the district level dedicated to the sighting of the crescent moon and the establishment of a well-regulated protocol for the transmission of information on moon sightings to prevent undue delay and misinformation.

Sheikh Yussif Yusifiya Alhassan, Chairman of the National Hilal Committee of Ghana, called on stakeholders to exercise restraint and manage expectations in declaring the beginning and the ending of the Ramadan fast.

He noted that much of the information regarding the sighting of the crescent moon lacks verification.

He explained that the delay in the announcement of the moon sighting was due to the rigorous process the committee goes through to verify the information they receive from across the country.

The crescent moon for Ramadan also referred to as a waxing crescent or a new moon is mostly sighted during twilight hours, specifically shortly after sunset.

It is best observed in the evening, just after sunset, low in the western sky. The ideal time is often 20 to 25 minutes after sunset.