Govt committed to welfare of Muslims community, affordable Hajj pilgrimage – Issifu Seidu
The Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, Issifu Seidu, has assured the Muslim community of the government's commitment to their well-being.
Speaking on behalf of the government at the Eid-ul-Adha prayers organised by the Ahlussunna Muslim Community at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra yesterday, Mr Seidu expressed the government's dedication to support the Muslim community and further reduce the Hajj fare.
“If the Muslim community continues to demonstrate devotion and sacrifice, the government will work towards reducing the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage to less than GH¢50,000 next year,” he said.
The minister emphasised President Mahama's commitment to the Muslim community, stating that the President valued their advice and prayers for a better economy, development and prosperity.
Mr Seidu encouraged the Muslim community to continue sharing and demonstrating devotion, highlighting the importance of unity, solidarity and strong relationships with religious communities for the nation’s progress.
Call to action
The minister expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for their devotion and sacrifice, acknowledging their contributions to the nation.
He urged Muslims to incorporate the tenets of Eid-ul-Adha into their daily lives, emphasising the importance of sacrifice, obedience and sharing.
Mr Seidu attributed the recent economic gains, such as the lowering of interest rates and a more robust business environment, to the sacrifices and obedience of all Ghanaians, including Muslims.
He called on the Muslim community to continue to pray for the government and make more sacrifices through the ideals of Allah’s Prophet for the country to experience much more gains.
Prayers, dignitaries
The event was attended by hundreds of Muslim faithful across the capital. Eid-al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorats “Prophet Ibrahim's” willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
Leading the prayers, the National Imam of Ahlussuna Wal Jamaa-Ghana, Sheikh Umar Ibrahim Imam, asked the Mulism community to live by the example of Prophet Ibrahim and sacrifice for others.
Sheikh Umar urged Muslims to pray for the peace and unity of the country, as well as for the leadership of the country, for divine guidance and wisdom of Allah to handle the country’s affairs.
This year’s event was graced by the former Vice-President, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and his spouse, Samira Bawumia; and the former National Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Ben Abdallah Banda.
The Muslims sacrificed a ram during the prayers to symbolise Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice.
The Office of the President donated GH¢50,000 while the Office of the Former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo and the former Vice-President donated GH¢20,000 to support the ceremony organised by the Ahlussunna Muslims.
