Thousands of worshipers of the orthodox Muslim faith in the Upper West Region defied the heavy downpour to take part in this year's Eid-ul-Adha celebration on Friday.

The clouds had formed before the start of the two Rakat prayers. In the middle of the prayer, it started raining but that didn’t stop them from offering their duplication to Allah.

The Col. Kutu Acheampong Park now rechristened the Naa Sidiki II Park since the days of yore serves as the venue of the open congregational Eid-ul-Adha prayer for worshipers of the orthodox Muslim faith.

It has always been filled to capacity. With the advent of the Covid-19 many were of the opinion that it will record its lowest attendance ever.

It was however business as usual. Even the formation of dark clouds which later gave way for heavy rains could not stop them from observing the 2 Rakat prayers.

Veronica buckets were placed at vantage points and the various gates of the park. Before one could take part in the prayer he or she had to go there to wash his or her hands.

The other requirement was the wearing of the mask which was checked before worshippers were allowed access to the park. Though it was difficult to observe the social distancing protocols due to the sea of worshipers at the venue, the arrangement was orderly and peaceful.

Most of them gorgeously and exquisitely dressed in white apparel with their face mask in place were at the venue two hours before the start up prayer time.

The leadership of the traditional system of governance comprising of the Overlord of the Waala kingdom, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo, the Yerinaa, Alhaji Sualihu Mumuni Sungumo and the Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Sumani Kanihi defied the threat of the heavy downpour to be part of the open congregational prayer.

Halfway into the Rakat prayer led by the Imam of Jamii, Alhaji Yahaya Mahama, it started drizzling accompanied by heavy winds that drenched the gorgeous clothing displayed on the day but that did not stop them offering their supplication. The intensity, however, increased after the end of the prayer forcing most of the worshippers to take to heels to avoid further being drenched. The  Jamii imam however has one obligation to perform which was the slaughtering of his sheep for sacrifice, thus paving the way for others to continue the festivities in their homes.

At Banungoma, some members of the Ahmadiyya community adhering to the caveat by the Ameer and missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim mission converged to observe the Eid in a family congregational manner

Former Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Mohammed Aziiz Gado was part of the three dozen congregants that observed the prayer at the compound of Alhaji Nurideen.