President Nana Akufo-Addo has sent fraternal greetings to Muslims in Ghana and around the world as they begin their 30-day fast on Saturday.

"I pray that in this month and beyond, we strive to live by these values, so that, even beyond Ramadan, we continue to commit ourselves to the good of humankind and our fellow Ghanaians.

"We have an opportunity to realise our potential as the Black Star of Africa, and it is my belief that the principles that Ramadan seeks to inculcate in Muslims are important for realising this objective," he said. 

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur'an was revealed and which has been instituted for Muslims to dedicate themselves to God and to the service of humankind.

It is a month of intense devotion and commitment to the principles of love, sacrifice and dedication to duty. Muslims across the world fast in the month as they seek to enhance their spiritual growth.

Saudi Arabia's High Judicial Court announced that, based on confirmed sightings of Ramadan's new moon crescent, the first day of Ramadan 1438 fasting will be Saturday, May 27.

Ramadan is a compulsory tenet of the Islam religion and followers are encouraged to observe it except for those who have special medical conditions that may prevent them.

"Once again, I wish all Muslims the best of the month. May the Almighty Allah bless us all and make our nation great and strong," the President said.

In a related development, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has encouraged Muslims, as well as Christians to rededicate themselves to the universal human values of love, humility and empathy as Ramadan begins.

In a Ramadan message, Dr Bawumia said: “I would like to extend my warmest felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Ghana and around the globe on the occasion of the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

“An occasion which heralds the twenty-nine day period of fasting when Muslims are expected to exercise self-restraint.

 “Ramadan is a period of great sacrifice, patient endurance, and gratitude. It inspires in us the common values and experiences we share as human beings. The rich and powerful go through the experience that the hungry and weak go through so that they develop empathy for weak and hungry and gratitude for the bountiful blessings of God.

“As we mark this auspicious month, may we all [Muslims as well as Christians] rededicate ourselves to the universal human values of love, humility, empathy, others and thankfulness for the blessings of God.

“Let us pray for our dear country Ghana.

“I wish you a blessed month. May Allah’s peace be upon us all.”

Over 1.8 billion Muslims across the world are expected to embark on this year’s fast – which is the fourth pillar of Islam.