Story by: Yunus swalahudeen wakpenjo
Source: millennium news online
Muslims in Ghana are likely to observe the feast festival, known as ‘Eidl Fitr’, in confinement, as the ban on social gathering in still in place.
Thursday marks the 28th day since commemoration of the holy month of Ramadan with barely a day or two more to end the fasting, yet there is no clear cut on how the commemoration of the feast festival shall be held.
In his 9th address to the nation amidst covid 19 pandemic, the president of the republic, Nana Addo Dankwah, extended the ban on religious gathering until the end of May. Meanwhile, Muslims across the country were in high anticipation the ban would be lifted to enable them enjoy their annual feast festival as it has always been commemorated. Nonetheless, all hope was lost after the president’s address to the nation.
Muslim leadership and various sectarian Imams, have come under serious criticism from their followers for their inability to negotiate on their behalf or define an alternative for congregational prayers for Eid, or provide for them a clear cut on what to do as they continue to observe the fasting, awaiting the commemoration of the year’s feast festival.
Government has urged Muslims to stay at home and observe the Eid prayer in their homes, a practice, which is alien to the Muslim community, especially in the republic of Ghana.
It is apparent, by this directives, the usual street jam and other flamboyant form of commemoration is likely not be seen in this year’s commemoration of the festival, as Muslims will remain in their houses throughout the period.
There is no ban on movement, but there restriction on number of person that must gather at a particular place. This restriction is likely to impede the smooth celebration of the event and likely to take away the beauty of the day.
Regular display of culture, with regards to food, dance, horse riding and out-dooring of new chiefs, are all likely to be on halt in this year’s Eid period. Elsewhere, where the pandemic has strike, similar restrictions were placed to impede spread and control movement.
This restriction in our new normal way of life, has hit hard on some commercial activities in the country. The usual busy period by seamstress and other fashion makers, has been hit so hard by this pandemic in this glorious moment that they would have raise much income on their profession.
Markets patronage has equally been affected due to lose on investment during this period of pandemic. Nonetheless, some believe a miracle might happen before the time of the commemoration for the ban to be lifted to enable Muslims in Ghana have a normal and usual form of celebration.
The government has also been cautioned of possible disappointment in his political fortune if he fails to let similar restriction work on the electoral commission and NIA, as well as any organization that deals in numbers and congregate. Some of the people we spoke to stressed that, they would not take it lightly on the government if he continues to place ban on their religious activities, but allow some government institution carry out their task, even when it can equally pose danger to the health stability of the country.