Eid-ul-Fitr: May 13 declared statutory public holiday

May 13th has been declared a statutory national public holiday by the government. This was announced by The Ministry of Interior today.

This was contained in a letter signed by the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery. The holiday is to be marked due to the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities of Muslims after a successful Ramadan fast.

“The general public is hereby informed that Thursday, 13th May 2021 which marks Eid-ul-Fitr, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the statement read.

The year’s Ramadan fasting started on April 13 following after the new moon was first sighted in the Volta Region, as per communication from the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu.

This year’s fast is the second straight Ramadan being undertaken with the Coronavirus pandemic still raging globally.

Before the Ramadan fast commenced, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia called on all Muslims to use fasting in the holy month of Ramadan to reflect and renew their faith in Allah.

The May 13 declared a statutory public holiday is expected to be used by Muslims to feast and party however, Covid-19 restrictions will have to be enforced to ensure local transmissions are prevented.