Ramadan 2026 to begin February 18, National Chief Imam’s office announces

The Office of the National Chief Imam has announced that the sighting of the moon for the commencement of Ramadan 2026 will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following resolutions reached at the 32nd Annual National Ramadan Conference held in Takoradi, Western Region.

The three-day conference, which ran from January 29 to January 31, 2026 (Shaaban 1447 AH), brought together Muslim leaders and delegates from across the country to deliberate on the Ramadan calendar and broader national issues.

According to the communiqué, “the first day for the sighting of the moon shall start on Wednesday, 18th day of February, 2026 when Shaaban shall be 29 days.” It added that “if sighted, Thursday, 19th day of February 2026 shall be the first day of Ramadan,” but “if not sighted, Friday, 20th day of February 2026 shall automatically be the first day of Ramadan 2026.”

The conference also addressed issues of national interest, including education, youth welfare, finance, religious tolerance, and public holidays.

On education, delegates called for STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to be located in areas accessible to Muslim communities, stating that proximity would “ensure accessibility and equity among the due beneficiaries” and contribute to addressing graduate unemployment.

Participants further expressed concern about rising drug abuse among the youth, describing it as “this canker of drug abuse that is devastating the lives of our youth across the country.” The communiqué called for a coordinated response involving religious leaders, traditional authorities, parents, educators, health professionals, and law enforcement agencies.

On financial inclusion, the conference encouraged Muslims to take advantage of non-interest banking, following its introduction by the Bank of Ghana. According to the communiqué, the system allows access to financial services “in line with the dictates and beliefs of the Islamic Religion,” and could help reduce income inequality and promote social justice.

The conference also acknowledged Ghana’s record of religious tolerance, calling for continued education and advocacy to strengthen interfaith relations, particularly within public educational institutions.

Delegates further commended the government for declaring Eid-ul-Fitr an additional public holiday, noting that the decision “would foster unity, inclusivity, religious tolerance and provide Muslims with the opportunity to celebrate with families and loved ones.”

In its concluding resolutions, the conference stated that “the National Chief Imam or his representative should announce the commencement of the 2026 Ramadan fasting on the national television or any other television station in the country, in consultation with other stakeholders,” adding that the cut-off time for moon sighting is 9:00 p.m.

The communiqué was signed by Alhaji Osmanu Seidu, Executive Secretary of the Office of the National Chief Imam.