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Eid-ul-Adha 2022 commemorated in style
• President Akufo-Addo exchanging pleasantries with Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu
Muslims across the country joined the much-anticipated Eid Al-Adha celebrations last weekend with many of them taking part in intercessory prayers for Allah to make their lives beautiful and meaningful.
The Black Star Square in Accra hosted hundreds of worshippers from various Muslim communities as the National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers and urged the public to remain peaceful and share the little they have with others.
President Akufo-Addo graced the occasion where he, among other things, pledged to deliver on the commitments made towards the development of the Muslim community.
Dressed in stylish and colourful outfit, the celebrants including children and women praised Allah for His blessings and protection throughout the years.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captured some worshippers carrying their children on horses as they arrived at the Square.
A handful of traders also tried to get some cash selling items before and after the prayers.
Some families and individuals also took to social media to flaunt their dresses which attracted positive reviews from well-wishers. It was again refreshing to see some Christians join their Muslim brothers in the celebration as some of them joked that they did not get their share of the ‘Sallah meat’.
In Arabic, EID AL-ADHA translates to “Festival of Sacrifice.” The holiday commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) when Allah commanded him to. Before Ibrahim could do so, Allah provided him with a ram to sacrifice in Ismail’s place.
As part of this year’s celebrations, hundreds of Muslims made the trip to Mecca. The first batch of about 400 pilgrims took off from Accra on June, 20, 2022.
The increasing cost of items, however, reflected in the prices of livestock as some people complained they were unable to buy sheep and goats for the celebrations. Nonetheless some benevolent organisations ensured there was enough meat for the less privileged who could not afford it.
Some families went to recreational centres in Accra to continue their celebration although different beaches recorded low patronage. In all, it was a peaceful event just as various groups were told to abide by the rules and regulations in the midst of the celebrations.
By Elizabeth Ackon & Pamela Davordzie
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Ghana to locally refine its gold starting October 2025 – Sammy Gyamfi
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that plans are far advanced for the establishment of a state-owned gold refinery in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Minerals and Mining Convention, Mr Gyamfi said the refinery will process locally mined gold into bullion instead of exporting it in its raw state.
According to him, it is unacceptable that Ghana, despite being a leading gold producer in Africa, continues to export raw gold known as dore.
He explained that the Gold Board, working with the Bank of Ghana and local refineries, will from October 2025 begin refining gold locally.
He also disclosed that an ultramodern assay laboratory will be built to ensure international standards in testing gold quality.
Mr Gyamfi noted that the refinery will be wholly state-owned and will help Ghana move away from raw mineral exports to value addition.
This, he said, will boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and position Ghana as a hub for gold refining and jewellery production in Africa.
The CEO stressed that the project forms part of government’s strategy to ensure the country benefits fully from its natural resources and to transform the mining sector into a driver of economic growth.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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There is strength in diversity; let’s live in peace – Zanetor Rawlings urges Ghanaians
Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to value the peace the country enjoys and to see diversity as a source of strength.
Speaking at the National Youth Conference held at the Pentecost Convention Centre under the theme “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change”, she warned against being lured into conflicts and divisions fueled by reckless statements from politicians, traditional leaders, religious figures, or academics.
According to her, many young people have no idea what it means to live in a country torn apart by war, and therefore must not take Ghana’s peace for granted.
She stressed that the harmony among different ethnic and regional groups should be protected at all costs, since it is peace that allows citizens to gather freely and safely.
Dr. Zanetor said Ghana’s development depends on embracing diversity and working together.
She urged the youth to tap into this strength so that Ghana would continue to shine as the “Black Star” of Africa and serve as an example for other nations.
She expressed appreciation to the participants for attending the conference and asked for God’s blessings on the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
