The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: Ghanaian Muslims will, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, begin the search for a crescent moon that will automatically signify the end of the Ramadan fast.

The sighting of the crescent on the 29th day of Ramadan will initiate the 10th Islamic month of Shawwal.

“If the new moon is sighted on this day, then the 1st of Shawwal shall be on Sunday, 30th of March, 2025, which will be the day to celebrate Eid-Fitr here in Ghana.

“But if NOT sighted on that day, Ramadan will be 30 days on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and Eid-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025,” the Office of the National Chief Imam has declared in a statement.

The statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Awaisu Salisu Bio, said the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, has directed all regional imams to ensure that the sighting was done locally.

The announcement comes barely two days after the government had declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as public holidays for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The declaration was by an Executive Instrument (E.I.), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601).

This is the first time Muslims in Ghana have been granted a two-day holiday for the celebration of Eid.

Despite being the second dominant religion in the country, it was not until 1995 that Muslims in Ghana were granted public holidays to celebrate their festivities.