Shaqq Day in Ghana in 2026
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.
However, in view of the fact that 21st March 2026 falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Monday, 23rd March 2026, as Additional Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.
In June 2025, the Ghanaian Parliament approved the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing key changes to Ghana’s holiday calendar.
The bill introduces a new public holiday for the Muslim community, known as Shaqq Day, to be observed a day after Eid-ul-Fitr, , a major Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan.. The day is intended to allow extended reflection and celebration after the Islamic festival.
The Minister for Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka said the introduction of this holiday fulfils a key pledge in the 2024 election manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and honours the public commitment of President John Dramani Mahama to promote religious inclusivity.
In presenting the Bill to Parliament, he emphasised that the amendment reflects Ghana’s evolving social fabric and commitment to equitable recognition of the country’s diverse religious and cultural identities.
“This amendment is a progressive step toward religious equity,” the minister noted.
“It acknowledges the significance of the Muslim community in our national life and ensures their practices are respected and celebrated,” he said.
