Francis Xavier Sosu, representing Madina in Parliament, is skeptical about the approval of additional Muslim holidays in 2024. He proposed a bill on December 14, 2023, to amend the Public Holidays Act of 2001, Act 601, introducing two new Islamic public holidays: Tashreeq (the day following Eid-al-Adha) and Shaqq (the day preceding Eid-al-Fitr). The bill, submitted to the Clerk of Parliament on November 29, 2023, is currently under parliamentary review.
Certain members of the Muslim community have expressed worries regarding their inability to observe these holidays fully due to challenges with moon sighting.
During a Face to Face interview on Citi TV, Sosu hinted that the bill might pass into law after John Dramani Mahama, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, assumes office.
He mentioned their intention to consult stakeholders on the bill to gather feedback and insights.
“I believe in those two extra Islamic Holidays, thankfully H.E former President John Mahama has waded into this because it’s been one of his visions. I’m hopeful that we get this bill passed soon, unfortunately, it won’t be this year.
“Unless we have to convince the speakership to quickly convey to do it under certificate of urgency. But that does not even apply to private members. It’s a bill that is in the making, we have an upcoming engagement on the bill. The whole idea is to fine-tune the policy.
“Hopefully if we don’t succeed in the 8th Parliament, I’m very sure in the 9th Parliament, through the leadership of H.E Mahama, we will make sure that these bills are passed and we give extra days for the Islamic Holidays.”
The upcoming Eid al-Fitr is slated for April 10th.
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