By Mercy Darko
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has described this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration as exciting, because the day is being observed without Covid-19 restrictions. He noted that the pandemic has over the last two years, affected most economies including Ghana, stressing that government has been taking measures to minimize the negative effects on the economy.
While applauding Ghanaians for the peaceful co-existence despite the religious and political differences, Vice President Bawumia wished all Muslims a happy EID celebration and appealed to them to celebrate in moderation to avoid casualties. He also used the occasion to entreat them to take advantage of the numerous government interventions, especially the Zongo Development Fund, which has seen the construction of about 200 projects. He made these remarks when he joined thousands of Muslims at the Black Star Square in Accra to mark Eid-ul-Fitr.
Mercy Darko reports, Muslims in Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark the day, with roads leading to the Black Star Square choked with human and vehicular traffic as they thronged the place to be part of the Eid celebration.
Some celebrants had to abandon their vehicles on the shoulders of the roads and walk to the independence square. This is the second time, since the advent of Covid 19 that the Muslim faithful have had the opportunity to converge and celebrate Eid without Covid 19 restrictions.
Despite lifting most restrictions on Covid 19, a handful of people were seen in face masks.
Observing the day at the Black Star Square begun with the special early morning prayers led by National Chief Imam Shiekh Osman NuhuSharabutu.
In a message, read for him, the Chief Imam said all must continue to show compassion, even after the holy month of Ramadan. He prayed for peace,tolerance and unity among Ghanaians. He also commended government for introducing the prayer sessions at the Jubilee House.
Vice President Bawumia in an address expressed gratitude to Allah for seeing Muslims through a successful Ramadan.He urged all to strengthen ties and tolerate one another.
“Government, recognizing the challenges has demonstrated commitment to alleviate the plight of Ghanaians through the various social interventions”.
Vice President Bawumia prayed for the repose of the departed and also sent his condolences to the leader of the Light House Chapel International, Bishop Dag Heward Mills who lost his son last month. Eid ul-Fitr which means ‘festival of breaking the fast’ marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.