Accra: The National Hilal committee of Ahlussuna Wal-Jama’a (ASWAJ) Ghana, a sectarian muslim organisation has announced the start of Ramadan in Ghana on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The decision was based on sighting in the city of Damir in Saudi Arabia by the Moon Sighting Committee of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The National Hilal Committee of Ahlussuna Wal-Jama’a-Ghana, ASWAJ, would like to inform the general public, especially the Muslim Ummah, that the crescent (moon) for the month of Ramadan 1447 (2026) has not been sighted anywhere in Ghana,” the Committee noted in a statement.

The ASWAJ Hilal Committee has also directed that all regional, municipal and district imams of ASWAJ across the country should follow the directive.

Under the auspieces of the National Chief Imam and based on the recommendations of the National Hilal Committee, muslims in Ghana will officially begin the crescent moon search on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

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

The National Hilal Committee of Ghana had earlier announced the decision 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 the moon will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Shaban.

If the moon is sighted on Thursday, the 19th day of February 2026, it 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.