President Akufo-Addo joins Muslims to break fast

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday evening joined a section of Muslims to break their fast (Iftar) at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The President was joined by the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo; the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Samira Bawumia, and the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei Opare.

President Akufo-Addo, in his remarks, said: “What we are witnessing here is a reaffirmation of what our country is about. We have a country with two major religions living side by side. The peaceful coexistence has been our legacy through the ages and in our time we should do everything to promote it”.

He said the seat of government was occupied by Christians and Muslims and, therefore, in a sacred month such as Ramadan, it was appropriate that “we have an opportunity and break the fast together”.

President Akufo-Addo also observed that Dr Bawumia had embarked on a tour of the country and had been praying with fellow Muslims across the country and so it was appropriate that he did the same at the Jubilee House.

The President expressed appreciation to the Muslims for the opportunity and hoped that the spirit of oneness would be with the country and the people of Ghana for years to come.

Month for forgiveness

The Vice-President, Dr Bawumia described the month of Ramadan as very important on the Islamic calendar, saying it was a month for forgiveness of sins and prayers to God who responded to their requests.

He also described the period for the breaking of fast as his favourite moment and said: “Ours is a unique one during which both Christians and Muslims enjoy together,” a relationship he described as special.

Dr Bawumia later hosted the congregants to a dinner and thanked them for taking time off their schedule to join him to break his fast.

Earlier, there were Qur’an recitals after which the National Chief Imam, Sheik Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, led a prayer session.