Thousands of Orthodox Muslims converged at Naa Sidik Bomi Park—popularly known as Jubilee Park—in Wa to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and mark the end of 30 days of Ramadan fasting on Saturday, March 21.
The prayers were led by Deputy Jamii Imam of the Wa Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Kareem Mankama Ibrahim, and featured calls from religious and political leaders to tackle pressing issues such as youth drug abuse, declining educational standards, and the promotion of peaceful interfaith coexistence in the region.
Alhaji Baba Daud, Administrative Assistant to the Upper West Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Mahama Kanihi, delivered a message highlighting concerns over the region’s declining academic performance.
He drew attention to the historic drop in results from the 2025 WASSCE, noting that over 50 percent of candidates failed to meet the pass mark in core mathematics, and called on education stakeholders to implement urgent solutions.
Alhaji Kanihi also used the platform to advocate for educational equity and religious freedom, urging the government to ensure that new STEM and TVET schools are located in areas accessible to Muslim communities.
The Chief Imam’s representative called on the Ghana Education Service to formally recruit qualified Arabic teachers and emphasized that Muslim students should have the freedom to practice their faith without being compelled to attend mandatory Sunday church services in schools.
Addressing the region’s security and social challenges, the representative also spoke candidly about the growing influx of illicit drugs, urging the police to take decisive action against drug traffickers operating within local communities.
These concerns were strongly echoed by Upper West Regional Minister Charles Luanga, who warned that the rising abuse of Tramadol and other illicit substances is destroying the youth and threatening the region’s future development. He called on parents, teachers, and religious leaders to work together in guiding the younger generation, both morally and spiritually.
Mr. Luanga highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at creating opportunities and improving livelihoods for residents.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the “Big Push” infrastructure agenda, noting that contractors have already been mobilized to work on major road networks. In particular, he mentioned the asphalting of the Wa-Hein-Tumu-Navrongo stretch, a development warmly welcomed by the Chief Imam’s office.
The Minister also announced plans to establish 11 modern, 24-hour economy markets across the district assemblies to boost local trade and generate employment opportunities.
In a powerful display of interfaith unity, Rev. Father Alocios Nuolabong, representing the Catholic Bishop of Wa, Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan, delivered a message of peace and togetherness. He encouraged Muslims and Christians to focus on shared values rather than letting differences divide them.
Rev. Nuolabong also affirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to partner with the Muslim community in addressing common societal challenges, with a particular emphasis on collaborating to combat youth drug abuse.
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region gathered at the Jujeidayiri Gardens, within the Dzudayiri cluster of basic schools, to mark this year’s Eid celebration.
The event concluded with leaders expressing gratitude for the region’s peaceful coexistence and praying for continued stability, national development, and the prosperity of Ghana.
Hundreds of worshippers, young and old—including persons with mobility challenges—dressed mostly in elegant white attire, gathered in the gardens for the two Rakat open-air prayers led by Maulvi Hafiz Abdul Nasir Bhatti, Upper West Regional missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission.
The event drew several notable figures, including former Upper West Regional Minister Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, former Ghana Ambassador to Mali Alhaji Mahmud Khalid, and former Council of State member and paramount chief of the Guli traditional area, Naa Seidu Braimah Nubalanaa, alongside numerous regional leaders and faithful members of the Ahmadiyya community.
Speaking after the prayer, Maulvi Bhatti encouraged Muslims to care for one another. “We need to be sympathetic and show affection to our fellow human beings,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the rising abuse of drugs and opioids, urging young people to steer clear of substance abuse in order to become responsible and productive members of society.