Accra: The Ahlusunna Muslims in Ghana will commence the Ramadan fast tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The National Hilal Committee of Ahlusunna Wal-Jama'a Ghana, a sectarian Muslim organization, announced this decision in a statement distributed to the Ghana News Agency.
According to Ghana News Agency, the decision to start the fast was based on a 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 Ahlusunna Wal-Jama'a-Ghana, ASWAJ, informed the general public and the Muslim Ummah that the crescent moon for the month of Ramadan 1447 (2026) had not been sighted anywhere in Ghana.
As a result, the ASWAJ Hilal committee has instructed all regional, municipal, and district imams of the organization to adhere to this announcement. The National Chief Imam, following the recommendations of the National Hilal Committee, is expected to declare the start of Ramadan based on local sighting. The search for the crescent moon will be conducted at dusk on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Should the crescent moon be successfully sighted, the month-long fasting will commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026. If not, the annual 29-30 days fast will begin on Friday, February 20, 2026. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim of sound mind, good health, and not traveling. The spiritual exercise aims to bring Muslims closer to Allah and helps them restrain from both lawful and unlawful desires.
During the fast, Muslims are prohibited from consuming food, water, and engaging in intimacy, even with lawful partners, during daylight hours. They are also encouraged to participate in good deeds and refrain from evil acts.