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 Muslims across the world begin their 30-day fast today, Saturday, 27 May.

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.”

Muslims across the world have today begun the 30 days’ period of fasting, Ramadan, 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.

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