Ramadan begins in Ghana as Muslims enter a month of fasting, faith and fellowship
18th February 2026
Muslims across Ghana have commenced the observance of Ramadan, ushering in a sacred period marked by fasting, prayer, reflection and renewed spiritual commitment, in unity with millions of believers around the world.
Observed according to the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan requires Muslims to abstain from food, drink and other physical indulgences from dawn until sunset. Beyond the physical fast, the month places strong emphasis on prayer, charity, discipline and moral renewal.
Across the country, the holy month is also being embraced as a time for deepening family ties and reinforcing community bonds. Homes and neighbourhoods come alive in the evenings as families gather to break their fast together, often extending invitations to friends and neighbours in the spirit of generosity.
Muslim clerics and community leaders have used the occasion to remind worshippers that the essence of Ramadan extends far beyond abstaining from food and drink.
“It is a period of self-purification, deep reflection and compassion for others,” said Sheikh Imran, a respected Islamic scholar in Madina. “Ramadan teaches patience, empathy and gratitude—values that strengthen not just individuals, but society as a whole.”
In markets across major cities and towns, traders report increased activity as families stock up on dates, fruits and essential food items traditionally used for iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. Mosques, meanwhile, have rolled out special prayer sessions, Qur’anic recitations and night prayers, creating spaces for communal worship while observing necessary health and safety measures.
Charity remains a central pillar of the Ramadan experience. Many Muslims are engaging in food donations, almsgiving and outreach programmes aimed at supporting the vulnerable, ensuring that the blessings of the season are shared widely.
As each day draws to a close and the call to prayer signals sunset, Muslims across Ghana break their fast in moments that reflect the deeper meaning of Ramadan—unity, generosity and spiritual renewal.