Muslims across the country held prayers at open parks and retreat grounds to observe Eid ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, faith and piety.
At some places, they were joined by personalities, the political class and government officials.
Kumasi
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, joined Muslims at the Kumasi Central Mosque for this year’s Eid ul-Adha prayers, reports Gilbert Mawuli Agbey.
He was accompanied by members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asokore Mampong, Ben Abdullah; Presidential Staffer, Isham Alhassan, and a member of the Council of State, Yaw Obimpeh.
The prayer session, which began after 9a.m., drew worshippers from across Kumasi and neighbouring districts who were neatly dressed in white robes and traditional attire to observe the prayers.
In his Eid sermon, the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Zakaria who led the prayers, called on Muslims to embody the values of sacrifice, obedience and compassion as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.
Support
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Amoakohene said government would continue to seek the support of religious leaders and groups towards the growth and development of the country.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, addressing the Muslims at the Kumasi Central Mosque
He said the government recognised the important role religious bodies played in strengthening national cohesion and promoting responsible citizenship, saying “we will continue to engage faith-based institutions as partners in national development”.
“At a time when the world faces insecurity, economic difficulties, social exclusion and uncertainties, we must remain united as a people with a common destiny. We must reject hatred, division and promote mutual respect,” he pointed out.
The Otumfuo Sumankwahene, Baffour Kogyawoasu Ababio, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged Muslims to use the occasion to champion unity and peace towards the development of their communities.
He charged the Muslim leadership to be development-oriented by developing idle portions of the land around the mosque to boost economic activity within the area, saying “if we develop the available land, it will provide a conducive environment for residents to do business”.
From Tamale, Abukari Alhassan Baba reports that hundreds of Muslims converged on the Tamale Jubilee Park for the congregational prayers.
Addressing the congregants, the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Adam Abubakari Takoro, called for unity among residents of Tamale, stressing the need for Muslims and people of other faiths to continue to coexist peacefully to sustain the prevailing harmony in the area.
He urged educational institutions to remain open to all students irrespective of their religious backgrounds, noting that education should be accessible to every interested individual whether in Islamic or Christian schools.
He also appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders and residents to support the security agencies in the fight against drug abuse and other social vices in the region.
“Our chiefs and elders should fully support the police and other security agencies in fighting drug abuse among the youth because they are our future leaders,” he said.
He further cautioned the youth against engaging in drug abuse, warning that the law would deal with persons found engaging in activities that could destroy their future.
The Northern Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul-Salam Ahmed, who led the prayers urged Muslims to share the sacrificial meat with the needy in accordance with the teachings of Islam and promote peace and togetherness within their communities.
From the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, Haruna Yussif Wunpini writes that hundreds of Muslim faithful congregated at the Koforidua Central Mosque to offer prayers in commemoration of this year’s Eid ul-Adha.
While some worshippers were neatly dressed in caftans and long attire popularly called Jalbab, others were in Abaayaa, with many celebrants assembling or gathering at about 8 a.m. to offer prayers led by the Regional Chief Imam, with the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, in attendance.
The Eastern Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Yussif Amudani Sulemana, thanked the Almighty Allah for protecting and blessing them.
Also, he offered special prayers at the central mosque for the nation, asking Almighty Allah to give President John Dramani Mahama and his ministers, municipal and district chief executives (MDCEs) and appointees wisdom and knowledge to lead the country successfully.
End of Hajj
Alhaji Sulemana said the celebrations marked the end of the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Eastern Regional Chief Imam and the congregants at the Koforidua Central Mosque
There was also the slaughtering of a ram to symbolise the sacrifice.
He asked all Muslims in the region to share their sacrificial meat with those who were not able to slaughter, and those in their neighbourhood to also enjoy the day.
Alhaji Sulemana called on the Muslim youth to desist from associating Eid celebrations with the abuse of harmful substances such as alcohol, tramadol and Indian hemp.
The Eastern Regional Minister, who joined the Muslim faithful at the Koforidua Central Mosque to celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha, assured all Muslims that the government remained committed to supporting all faith communities.
"We value the contributions of the Muslim community in the area of education, commerce and social cohesion.
Your discipline, charity and devotion strengthen our nation.
"I am pleased to state that the reconstruction works on the Zango road are scheduled to commence and that such a long-awaited project will bring relief to residents, traders and commuters, ensuring smooth transportation and development for the Zango community,” Mrs Awatey said.
She asked that Allah accept the devotion of sacrifices of Muslims during Eid and also bless their families with peace and prosperity.
“May this Eid remind us that true sacrifice is found not only in the slaughter of the ram but in daily acts of kindness and service to one another.
On this Holy day, I wish you Eid Mubarak.
May Allah continue to guide and protect the Eastern Region and our nation, Ghana," the Regional Minister stated.
Ho Eid
From the Volta Regional capital, Ho, Alberto Mario Noretti reports that the Zango community slaughtered a ram in the open at the Ho Police Training School park to mark Eid-ul-Adha.
Alhaji Ali Mohamed (middle), the officiating Imam, slaughtering the ram
In a sermon before that, the officiating Imam at the celebration, Alhaji Ali Mohamed, urged the youth to be obedient, disciplined and respect the elderly in society and tap their wisdom.
He also urged Muslims to live in peace with their neighbours and love one another at all times.
“Live in truth and show compassion towards the less privileged,” Alhaji Mohamed said.
Prayers were said for peace to prevail in the country and for good health for President Mahama.
Eid-ul-Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and continues for three days.
The Eid prayer is very important, but those who are unable to perform the sacrifice on the first day can do so on the second or third day of the celebration.
