The Rawlingses have urged Ghanaians Muslims to use the Eid al-Adha season to pray for the nation as it battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a goodwill message, former President Jerry John Rawlings and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, said: “Nana and I join all Muslims as they mark the Eid al-Adha – the festival of sacrifice, today”.

“Eid al-Adha is meant to remind us of the willingness of Ibrahim to submit to God. That test of faith is worthy of emulation by all, especially during this difficult period of COVID-19.

“Let us use the day to pray for our dear nation as we work to combat the deadly pandemic that has plagued the world”, the Rawlingses said.

The statement urged Ghanaians to keep safe during the COVID-19 period.

“Let us also take advantage of the period to counsel friends and family on the need to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols of social-distancing, wearing of masks, regular washing of hands and use of hand sanitisers.

“We should also be a blessing on the less-privileged by sharing our celebratory meals with them. We wish all Muslims a solemn celebration. Eid Mubarak! Happy Eid!”.

Another former President, Mr John Mahama, has also wished Ghanaian Muslims well as they celebrate Eid al-Adha today, Friday, 31 July 2020.

In his goodwill message, the flag bearer of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said: “I send best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters as we celebrate Eid al-Adha”.

“May Allah continue to pour his blessings upon our land and prosper every Ghanaian”, he added.

Meanwhile, President Nana Akufo-Addo has, also wished all Muslims well.

In a statement, he said: "I pray we use the occasion of Eid al-Adha to reflect on the spirit of sacrifice and loyalty that inspired Prophet Ibrahim to accept Allah's command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Our nation requires this of us – that we sacrifice our abilities and talents to the building of a Ghana Beyond Aid”, he said in a goodwill message, noting that Eid al-Adha "is a celebration of the true essence of Islam – peace and submission to the will of Allah."

“I urged all Muslims to take advantage of this holy months of Zhul-hijja, to pray for the peace of our nation, as we count down to election 2020”, the President encouraged.

He said: “On my part, I pledge to continue to do my utmost to help build a society of opportunities for all, irrespective of creed, ethnicity or gender”.

Mr Akufo-Addo also urged adherents of Islam not to lose sight of the raging COVID-19 pandemic amid the festivities.

“Even as we celebrate, I urge all of you to continue to observe the protocols that will keep us safe from COVID-19”, he said.

“I’m confident that, insha Allah, next year, we shall celebrate together in a brotherly and sisterly fashion”, he noted.

He added that: “We, the people of the Book – Christians and Muslims – owe it to our Abrahamic ancestry to continue to foster the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence that have made Ghana the envy of many nations”.