News
Eid goes virtual amid coronavirus pandemic
For the first time in the Ramadan’s history in Ghana, the huge gathering of people for congregational prayers at the Independence Square to mark the Eid ul-Fitr in Ghana was missing due to the novel coronavirus wreaking havoc globally.
This year, the celebration was marked virtually, as the president of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, together with the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia joined the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and the leadership of the Muslim community.
The day which was observed in the studios of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) from 9am on Sunday was streamed live for all Muslims in the country.
Muslims have had to fast without the traditional congregational prayers, a difficult sacrifice they had to make in the month of Ramadan due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
The novelty was replicated across the country where Muslims observed the day from their various homes.
Muslim organisations and individuals implored technological and virtual alternatives to keep Eid traditions alive, such as virtual sermons, social media celebrations and online events.
Eid al-Fitr marked the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims across the globe. People usually celebrate by traveling, visiting family and gathering for lavish meals, and in some cases musical concerts, all of which was conspicuously missing, due to the measures put in place by the government to contain the virus.
Eid is normally celebrated after a month of fasting, spiritual renewal, forgiveness and the expression of gratitude to Allah.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium as part of efforts to restore the country’s economic stability after the financial crisis that hit the nation in 2022 and 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, today disclosed that he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
He explained that Ghana experienced a very difficult period during the crisis, which forced the government at the time to declare a debt default.
However, he indicated that the country is now recovering and witnessing a significant economic turnaround.
According to him, stronger systems are also being put in place to ensure that Ghana does not return to such a situation again.
Dr Forson noted that the agreement with Belgium is the eighth deal Ghana has concluded with countries under the Official Creditor Committee as part of its external debt restructuring programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its support and partnership with Ghana during the process.
The Finance Minister thanked Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana, for her role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to restructure its external debts and stabilise the economy following the crisis.
By: Jacob Aggrey
