Muntaka Urges Muslims to Use Eid ul-Adha to Strengthen National Unity and Peaceful Coexistence

Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has called on Muslims across Ghana to seize the occasion of Eid ul-Adha as a moment to deepen national unity and promote peaceful coexistence with citizens of all faiths.

In his message marking the Islamic festival, Alhaji Muntaka appealed to the Muslim community to offer prayers for continued peace and stability, stressing that the prevailing calm in the country remains essential for sustained national development.

The minister urged Muslims to avoid rancour, insults and any conduct that could undermine the spiritual significance of Eid ul-Adha, a festival that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The occasion, marked by prayer, charity and the ritual slaughter of animals, is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar.

Alhaji Muntaka also issued a practical appeal directed at young people in Zongo communities, advising caution in handling animals designated for sacrifice. The minister warned that carelessness during the slaughtering process could lead to avoidable accidents, turning a day of celebration into one of tragedy.

He further stressed the importance of proper sanitation before, during and after the ritual slaughter. In previous years, unsanitary conditions at slaughter sites have drawn complaints from local authorities and public health officials. The minister urged community leaders to organise adequate waste disposal and cleaning exercises to ensure neighbourhoods remain hygienic.

The minister’s message also touched on the broader political context. He called on Ghanaians to remain patient with the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, urging citizens to continue praying for the government as it works to fulfil its campaign promises.

The appeal for unity comes at a time when Ghana’s political landscape remains engaged in spirited debate following the 2024 general election. Religious and ethnic tensions, while not at crisis levels, have occasionally surfaced in public discourse, making calls for cohesion particularly significant.

Zongo communities, predominantly Muslim neighbourhoods found in cities and towns across Ghana, have historically played an important role in the country’s social fabric. They are home to diverse ethnic groups with roots in the Sahel and wider West Africa, and their residents contribute to commerce, education and civic life.

Eid ul-Adha celebrations in Ghana typically draw large gatherings at mosques and open prayer grounds, with festivities extending across several days. The festival is a public holiday, and government officials at all levels traditionally use the occasion to issue messages of goodwill and national solidarity.

This year’s celebrations are expected to proceed peacefully, with security agencies reportedly on standby to ensure public safety across the country.

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