By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Dec 31, GNA – Alhaji Inusah Mohammed Baba, General Secretary, National Muslims Conference (NMC), Ghana has called on Muslin leaders and professionals, to take ownership of the Muslim Manifesto submitted to all major political parties before the 2024 general election.
This, he said, “will help us work together to bring its vision to life, ensuring that our contributions as Muslims are not only recognized but celebrated as an integral part of Ghana’s success story.”
The Muslim Manifesto, drafted by the NMC, Ghana, represents a vision of transformation, equity, and inclusion for the Muslim community, while contributing to the national development of the beloved Ghana.
This document is not merely a list of aspirations; it is a roadmap designed to address critical social, economic, and educational challenges facing Muslims in Ghana today, when adopted into the various party manifestos.
Speaking at the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Academy of Muslim Professionals (GAMP), Alhaji Baba said the 14-point policy was also an invitation to all stakeholders,
Muslims and non-Muslims alike to work towards a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.
“The Muslim Manifesto is more than a policy document; it is a moral and strategic blueprint for the empowerment of the Muslim Ummah in Ghana, a tool for fostering equity, inclusion, and development, and a testament to our commitment to building a brighter future for our community and our nation.”
He said the manifesto’s key areas of focus include education, economic empowerment, health and welfare, legal reforms, inclusiveness and equity aimed at uplifting the Muslim community while ensuring its contribution to the collective prosperity of Ghana.
Alhaji Baba said the Muslim Manifesto was not merely a document for Muslims, but a declaration of partnership between the Muslim community and the nation at large.
“Its vision aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s broader developmental goals, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and inclusiveness.”
He said it was also a call to action for unity within the Ummah and must remind all Muslims that the diversity across tribes, professions, and socio-economic backgrounds was a source of strength and not a weakness.
“By working together, we can amplify our voice and influence policies, and legislations so as to ensure that our
community’s needs and aspirations are met while contributing to Ghana’s progress.”
The General Secretary said the manifesto also envisioned a Ghana where no one iwas marginalized or excluded based on their faith or cultural practices and promoted a harmonious society where everyone’s rights and contributions are valued.
“Our democracy will not attain maturity until all interest and social groups do not shy away from their identities, be able to ask for their fair share of the national cake, and consciously, freely and openly give their mandate to political parties or individual aspirants who offer to provide them with their highest level of aspiration without fear.”
He urged stakeholders to use their platforms to create awareness about the manifesto and its significance, share its vision with policymakers, and community leaders, mentor young Muslims to excel in their respective fields, to become active contributors to national development.
He said they must also engage with institutions, government agencies, and international organizations to support the implementation of specific policies, contribute their expertise in financial planning, project management, and fundraising to support programs in the manifesto.
“The Manifesto is to keep awake, our collective consciousness as believers who share a common destiny
and that the prosperity of each of the groups constituting the Governing Body of the NMC is meaningless until it is linked to the prosperity of us all.”
Muniru Shaibu Alidu, President, GAMP said the organisation was formed in 1992 as a non-political and non-sectarian Islamic organisation, aimed at bringing together Muslim intellectuals to harness their energies and capabilities to effectively champion the course of Islam in Ghana.
He said the organisation has over 150 across and outside the country in almost all professions.
It also aimed to promote education and humanitarian services in the Ghanaian society, especially in deprived communities, foster and promote unity among Muslims in Ghana and the world at large by organizing programmes aimed at empowering the youth socially, morally and intellectually.
Some activities embarked on by the Academy include free vacation school, annual Ramadan lectures, prisons reform ministry, sisters forum, guidance and counseling, clinic workshop for BECE candidates.
This year’s AGM was on the theme: “Bridging the gaps between the Muslim community and equitable national development – Example of the 2024 National Muslim Manifesto.”
GNA