The Secretary to Office of Upper West Regional Chief Imam, Dr. Moomin Seidu has outlined roadmap for the 2026 Ramadan Season expected to Commence on either 18th or 19th of February 2026 based on a Letter form The National Secretariat of the National Chief Imam.

Dr. Seidu Spoke Extensively at Peace Star Hotel Today 14th February 2026 during Yeri Naa’s Leadership Peace And Conflict Resolution Seminar.

Full Statement

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE 32ND ANNUAL NATIONAL RAMADAN CONFERENCE HELD AT TAKORADI, WESTERN REGION FROM 29TH TO 31ST JANUARY, 2026/SHABAN 1447 AH

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) I greet you with the salutation of Islam Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

A sub-committee was appointed by Delegates to deliberate and communicate to delegate the agreed date for sighting of the moon for 2026 Ramadan Fasting

2026 RAMADAN FASTING

The first day for the sighing of the moon shall start on Wednesday, 18th day of February, 2026 when Shaban shall be 29 days If sighted, Thursday, 19th day of February 2026 shall be the first day of Ramadan. If not sighted. Thursday 19th February shall be the 30th day of Shaban, then Friday 20th day of February 2026 shall automatically be the first day of Ramadan 2026.

ISSUES OF NATIONAL INTEREST

1 STEM & TVET schools to be situated at location accessible to Muslim communities.

Considering the Power of Modern technology, science and applied mathematics to meet the needs of developing countries like outs, conference calls for the redirection of government attention to these critical Educational Institutions. The proximity of these schools situated in centralized location would ensure accessibility and equity among the due beneficiaries of these STEM & TVET schools. This is one of the panaceas to graduate unemployment that leads to constructive progressive nation building

2. Combating Menace of Drug Abuse Among the Youth

Thus canker of drug abuse that is devastating the lives of our youth across the country requires an immediate and holistic approach by religious leaders, traditional authorities. Teachers. Parents and health professionals across the country. Another approach of equal importance to combat the menace is to assist the police in exposing and arresting drug lords and street peddlers who live within the Communities. Conference therefore entreats all concern citizens to give this growing emergency the necessary urgency it deserves to ensure proper up bring of our children for a better live in Future.

3. Embracing Non-interest Banking

Muslims in Ghana are expecting significant opportunity from the introduction of non-interest banking as communicated by the Bank of Ghana. This is an opportunity for Muslims to access sery ices that are in line with the dictates and beliefs of the Islamic Religion, it. therefore. means therens going to be alternative financing for our businesses without falling into the conventional system. Conference encourages Muslims to take advantage of the availability of Financial Services such as Mt. SHARAKA partnership) and MU DARABA (Profit Sharing

mechanism) that come with non-interest banking. Conference believes this could reduce income inequality and promote social justice

4. Promoting Religious Harmony

Ghana has been experiencing great sense of religious tolerance under the leadership His Eminence, the National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osumanu Nuhu Sharabutu Shoe the early years, our country has paid special attention to preserving the values of religions, creating the necessary conditions for all citizens to freely practice their beliefs and strengthening inter faith harmony Islam calls us to kindness, peace and to preserve true human virtues.

Conference calls on the National Peace Council to endeavor to roll out educational advocacy program to educate and sensitize stakeholders most importantly Government Assisted Senior High Schools in the mantry on the need to embrace ane adhere to the memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on religious practices in Schools.

5. Appreciation to the Government for additional holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr celebration We are grateful to His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr and declaring an additional public holiday to enable Muslims celebrate this joyous occasion of fasting. The extended holiday would fosser uits inclusivity, religious tolerance and provide Muslims with the opportunity to celebrate with families and love ones. The National Chief Imam, the Regional Chief Imams, the Ulama and the Council of Zongo chiefs commend the government in promoting rational unity and cohesion.

CONCLUSION

Delegates finally resolved that, the National Chief Imam or his representative should announce the commencement of the 2026 Ramadan Fasting on the National Television or any other television station in the country, in consultation with other stakeholders Meanwhile, the cutoff point is on pre for the sighting of the moon.

Thank you

Alhaji Osumanu Seidu

Executive Secretary

Office of the National Chief Imam

Contacts

0244647313/0242058328/0203725869