Africa-Press – Ghana. The Ahlusunna Muslims in Ghana will start the Ramadan fast tomorrow, Wednesday 18 February 2026.
The National Hilal committee of Ahlussuna Wal-Jama’a Ghana, a sectarian Muslim organisation announced in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.
The decision was based on sighting in the city of Damir in Saudi Arabia by the Moon Sighting Committee of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The National Hilal Committee of Ahlussuna Wal-Jama’a-Ghana, ASWAJ, would like to inform the general public, especially the Muslim Ummah that the crescent (moon) for the month of Ramadan 1447 (2026) has not been sighted anywhere in Ghana,” the Hilal committee said.
The ASWAJ Hilal committee has in effect directed all regional, municipal and district imams of the organisation to comply with the announcement.
The National Chief Imam based on the recommendations of the National Hilal Committee is expected to announce the start of Ramadan based on local sighting.
The search for the crescent moon will be conducted on the dusk of Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
If successful, the month-long fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. However, if not sighted, the annual 29-30 days fast will commence on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory on every Muslim of sound mind, good health and non-travelling.
The essence of the spiritual exercise is to gain closeness to Allah. It also helps muslims restrain themselves from both lawful and unlawful desires.
For example, fasting Muslims are barred from taking food, water and intimacy even with lawful partners during the day.
They are also required to engage in a lot of good deeds and refrain from evil
