The Ministry for the Interior has declared Friday, June 6 a public holiday.
This is contained in a press release dated May 29.
“The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 6th June 2005, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the statement signed by Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed, read.
Eid-Ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
The festival marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the two most important Islamic holidays, alongside Eid-Ul-Fitr.
In Ghana, Eid-Ul-Adha is marked by congregational prayers at mosques and open spaces, the ritual sacrifice of animals such as sheep, goats, or cattle, and the sharing of meat with family, neighbours, and the less privileged.
The day is also characterised by acts of charity, family gatherings, and community celebrations.