GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Francis-Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament representing Madina, has put forth a bill seeking to amend Ghana’s Public Holidays Act 2001, Act 601, to introduce two additional Islamic public holidays.
The proposed amendment advocates for the inclusion of Tashreeq (the day following Eid-al-Adha Festival) and Shaqq (the day before Eid-al-Fitr) as public holidays. The bill, presented to the Clerk of Parliament on November 29, 2023, is currently undergoing processing.
Sosu emphasized the necessity of this amendment to foster a more progressive, inclusive, and fair society by extending the public holidays for Muslims, allowing them two days to celebrate each Islamic festivity instead of one.
He underscored the importance of upholding the fundamental right to freedom of religion, citing Article 21(c) that guarantees every Ghanaian the liberty to practice and manifest any religion. With Islam being the second dominant religion in Ghana, Sosu asserted that Ghanaian Muslims deserve equal opportunities for celebrating religious festivals.
Explaining the rationale behind the proposed amendment, Sosu highlighted the significance of these additional holidays, emphasizing the need for practitioners of the Islamic faith to have adequate time for rest and preparation following 40 days of obligatory fasting.
He expressed concern about the existing system being perceived as unfair and discriminatory, constraining the expression of the Islamic faith despite constitutional guarantees and international laws.
Sosu believes that the enactment of this amendment will not only promote religious tolerance but also contribute to a more open, progressive, inclusive, and secure society. He stressed that providing additional days for the observance of Islamic festivities is crucial for Muslims to fully manifest and honor their faith, expressing gratitude to Allah.
The proposed bill, if passed, is anticipated to bridge gaps, allowing Ghanaian Muslims to observe their religious festivities more adequately and in line with their faith’s teachings and traditions.
