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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 41362, member: 636"] President John Dramani Mahama promised Muslims cheaper trips to Mecca next year. He spoke Friday at Black Star Square during Eid prayers. The president said strong currency rates could cut pilgrimage costs significantly. Government subsidies helped reduce this year's prices but travel remained expensive for many families. Officials work with Saudi Arabia to find better deals for Ghanaian pilgrims. Current exchange rates would have saved money on earlier bookings. Pilgrims could have paid around 45,000 cedis under today's stronger currency. Mahama expressed hope that economic improvements will continue helping Muslim travelers. The president acknowledged that religious trips create financial hardship for average citizens. Better currency performance makes international travel more affordable. Mahama announced plans to make Eid-ul-Fitr a permanent national holiday. The new law eliminates yearly declarations through executive orders. Muslims have requested official recognition for their religious celebrations for many years. The bill ensures automatic holiday status without government announcements. Legal protection strengthens religious rights for Ghana's Muslim population. Education reforms will improve Islamic schools across the country. The president ordered better training programs for Arabic language teachers. Recruitment efforts aim to staff religious schools with qualified instructors. The Islamic Education Unit receives additional resources under the new plan. Educational support demonstrates government commitment to Muslim communities. [/QUOTE]

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