BY Issah Olegor
The Government of Ghana has officially declared Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2026, as statutory public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr and Shaqq Day across the country.
In a statement issued on March 13, 2026, the Ministry of the Interior, informed the general public that the holidays form part of the nation’s officially recognised commemorative days.
However, because March 21 falls on a Saturday, the government has declared Monday, March 23, 2026, as an additional public holiday to allow citizens to fully observe the occasion.
The declaration was made by Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, acting on the authority of John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.
According to the statement, the additional holiday has been granted through an Executive Instrument (E.I.) issued in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601), as amended.
The government explained that the declaration ensures that citizens receive the full benefit of the statutory holiday when it coincides with a weekend.
Eid-Ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, is one of the most important religious celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.
In Ghana, the festival is recognised as a national public holiday and is celebrated with prayers, communal gatherings, and acts of charity.
Authorities have therefore urged the public to observe the holidays nationwide while maintaining peace, unity, and respect for the spiritual significance of the occasion.
The Ministry of the Interior also encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the country as families and communities mark the important religious event.
