Story by George Yawson Vineh
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim has stressed the need for peaceful co-existence and harmonious living among Ghanaians.
Giving the assurance after paying a courtesy call on leadership of the Muslim community, he further intimated that people should not be discriminated against on account of their religious beliefs.
As part of efforts to build a mutually beneficial and deeply-satisfying relationship with religious institutions across the country, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim has paid a courtesy call on leadership of the Muslim community in Accra.
He also seized the opportunity to present some items to leadership of the Ahmadiyya, Ahlu-Sunnah and the office of the National Chief Imam.
Addressing the media after the visit, the Minister assured that he will work with stakeholders in addressing concerns of discrimination meted out to female Muslim students at some educational institutions.
“The kind of religious tolerance that we have, which has long been an asset to the country, must be preserved. Their prayer is that we do everything possible to promote it.
“Concern was also raised about Muslim students being denied the right to observe their religious practices in some mission schools. Their opinion was that we must create a platform, together with the Minister for Education, as well as the leadership of the Education Service, to find an amicable solution to the problem.”
He further assured that after Ramadan, he would engage relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution and foster mutual respect for religious diversity
“His Excellency, the President, recognizes the role of Allah in governance. Therefore, he has tasked the ministry with establishing a National Thanksgiving Service for both our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters.
“Additionally, we were directed to form a task force that will institute a National Prayer Day for Muslims and a similar one for Christians. We have already made initial contact with them, but we will revisit the issue after Ramadan to get their representatives for the committee,” he noted.