Ghana Celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 with Calls for Environmental Stewardship, National Unity, and Public Safety

Thousands of Muslim faithful gathered across Ghana, most notably at Independence Square in Accra, to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The national celebration was attended by prominent figures, including the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and President John Dramani Mahama, alongside various government officials. In his keynote address, the Chief Imam emphasized that the true measure of Ramadan’s success lies in lasting spiritual transformation and the embodiment of values that promote social harmony and collective patriotism. He urged the Muslim community to uphold decency and responsibility during the festivities, reminding them that Eid is a time for gratitude and community reflection.

A significant theme of this year's celebrations was environmental responsibility, with the Office of the National Chief Imam launching a message centered on the theme "Our Earth, Our Future." Sheikh Sharubutu called on Ghanaians to recognize environmental stewardship as a moral and religious duty, sharply condemning illegal mining (galamsey), deforestation, and wastefulness. This call for discipline extended to public safety, as the Chief Imam expressed grave concern over the "worrying trend" of reckless motorbike riding during celebrations. He noted that such behavior undermines the festival's essence of peace and unity, and he called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and enhanced public education to protect lives during national festivities.

At the local level, leadership and municipal assemblies provided tangible support to ensure a smooth celebration. In Tema West, Municipal Chief Executive Ludwig Teye Totimeh donated essential food items, including rice, chicken, and milk, to the Muslim community, acknowledging their vital contribution to local development. Meanwhile, in Cape Coast, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Muhammad, the Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamah Imam, coupled his religious message with a geopolitical warning. He urged citizens to refrain from exploiting Middle East tensions, specifically the Iran-Israel conflict, for economic gain, warning that such actions could harm Ghana’s economy. This sentiment was echoed by local mayors who advocated for peace, development, and youth empowerment within their respective jurisdictions.

To ensure the safety of all celebrants, the Accra Regional Police Command and the Ghana Police Service implemented comprehensive security measures across the capital and beyond. Sufficient personnel were deployed to mosques, prayer grounds, transport terminals, and markets, with special traffic management teams assigned to regulate vehicular movement. Police officials, including Superintendent Juliana Obeng, emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation. As the nation concludes the festivities, the overarching message remains one of unity, coexistence, and a renewed commitment to national progress, with the Ghana Police Service extending its hopes that the values of sacrifice and peace will continue to foster national cohesion.