Umaru Sanda begs Mahama for additional holiday for Eid-ul-Adha

Broadcast journalist Umaru Sanda Amadu has appealed to President John Mahama to grant Muslims an additional public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, citing the demanding nature of the festivities.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Umaru Sanda said preparations associated with the festival were too extensive to complete before returning to work the next day.

“It’s 7pm now, but we’re still not done cutting the bull’s meat into pieces. You know it’s a long and tedious job.”

“We have not even finished cleaning the intestines and roasting the special parts.”

“Mr President, for the sake of God Almighty and Ndewura Jakpa, please add one extra holiday on Eid ul Adhar like you did for Muslims during Eid ul Fetir because the work involved in the celebration is too much.”

“The consequence of this is that we can’t share the meat with our neighbours because time no dey.”

“Because of that, I can’t even fry some of the special part of the bull and bring to you tomorrow like I was planning because I have to go to work.”

He jokingly added: “I will also tell all my Christian friends that you are the reason I can’t give them meat.”

Last year, President Mahama officially amended the Public Holidays Act to introduce an additional holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr, giving Muslims in Ghana a two-day public holiday at the end of Ramadan.

The amendment was fast-tracked to take immediate effect, allowing Muslims across the country extended time for prayers, family gatherings and celebrations.

However, the additional holiday arrangement currently does not apply to Eid-ul-Adha, which commemorates sacrifice and is often marked by the slaughtering and sharing of animals among families, friends and communities.

Umaru Sanda’s comments align with several other Ghanaians, particularly Muslims, who have called for another holiday to ease the workload associated with the celebration.