The Government of Ghana has officially declared Friday, March 20, and Monday, March 23, 2026, as public holidays in celebration of the Islamic festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr, according to an announcement by the Ministry of the Interior.
In a statement issued on March 13, 2026, the Ministry informed the general public that both Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, mark Eid-Ul-Fitr and Shaqq Days, which are recognized as statutory public holidays. However, because March 21 falls on a Saturday, an additional holiday has been granted on the following Monday.
“The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 20th March and Saturday, 21st March 2026, mark Eid-Ul-Fitr and Shaqq Days, which are Statutory Public Holidays,” the statement said.
To ensure that citizens fully benefit from the observance, the President, through an Executive Instrument, has designated Monday, March 23, as an extra holiday nationwide.
“However, in view of the fact that 21st March 2026 falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana has… declared Monday, 23rd March 2026, as Additional Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the statement added.
The declaration was made in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended.
Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. The festival is a time of prayer, charity, thanksgiving, and communal celebration with family and friends. In Ghana, the occasion is observed nationwide, reflecting the country’s religious diversity and commitment to unity.
The notice was signed by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (MP), and encourages all citizens to observe the holidays accordingly.
