Jubilee House of Ghana has hosted the 7th edition of the Annual National Iftar on Monday, April 1st, in a remarkable display of interfaith harmony , as Christians joined Muslims in the fast-breaking banquet held at the Presidential palace in Accra.
The event, instituted in 2017 by the current government, has become a cherished tradition that brings together leaders from various religious communities to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had the privilege of hosting the gathering on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Government of Ghana.
Among the esteemed guests were the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, representing the Muslim community, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, Bishop of the Accra Diocese of the Anglican Church, representing the Christian faith.
The Annual National Iftar serves as a platform for the Muslim community to observe one of the most important elements of Ramadan: the breaking of the fast (Iftar).
However, it has also become a shared experience, where Christian brothers and sisters, including clergy members, join their Muslim counterparts in participating in this sacred tradition.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized the historic significance of the Annual National Iftar, which has become a platform to promote interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, and national unity.
“Since its historic institution in 2017 by our government, the Annual National Iftar at the Jubilee House, has become a platform where not only do leadership and members of the Muslim Community in Ghana, including the Diplomatic Corps, congregate to observe one of the most important elements of Ramadan, Iftar, it has also become a shared platform, where our Christian brothers and sisters, including the Clergy, join our Imams and the Muslim community, to participate in the Iftar,” Vice President Bawumia said.
During the ceremony, Muslims were admonished to uphold the virtues of Ramadan, such as love, generosity, gratitude, and forgiveness, even beyond the holy month. Prayers were offered for the people of Ghana and for the continuous peace and prosperity of the nation.
The event witnessed a high-level participation from various branches of the government and the international community.
In attendance were the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema-Osei Opare, Members of the Council of State, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
The presence of Christian clergy, like the Anglican Bishop, underscored the interfaith nature of the gathering, where representatives from different religious communities came together in a spirit of unity and solidarity.
