By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, March 17, GNA – The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has strengthened its collaboration with Muslim leaders through a gesture of goodwill during the holy month of Ramadan.
The gesture involved the donation of rice and sugar to selected Muslim communities, including Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana, Ghana Muslim Mission, Shia Muslim Community in Ghana, Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah and the Office of the National Chief Imam, as part of government’s support for faith-based communities.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs explained that the initiative was carried out at the request of President John Dramani Mahama to recognize the contributions of Muslim communities to national development.
“If you talk about giving or charity, you cannot exclude the Muslims and we are in the month of Ramadan, when all Muslims fast and seek to draw closer to God, which also coincides with the Christian season of Lent,” he added.
He said it was proper that when Muslims were observing Ramadan, the nation also showed such gestures to recognise their contributions, especially as the less privileged often relied on Muslim communities for support during this period.
The Minister said the initiative had been done in previous years and was expected to continue.
Mr Ibrahim said one of President Mahama’s visions was to bring together religious leaders, government officials, and traditional authorities to collectively build the country.
He also addressed discussions in Parliament regarding the registration and documentation of religious bodies in the country, stating that the issue arose after a Member of Parliament for Kwadaso asked about the number of shrines, Churches, and mosques in Ghana.
Consultations with the Ministry and the Registrar-General’s Department revealed that many religious institutions register as companies limited by guarantee rather than as religious bodies.
The Minister explained that the parliamentary discussion was meant to encourage transparency and provide a clearer understanding of Ghana’s religious landscape.
He stressed that the matter was not a government directive or policy from the President, but part of parliamentary deliberations aimed at drawing attention to issues affecting the sector.
“We are not seeking to control religious bodies. What we want is clarity about the religious space we operate in as a country,” he added.
The Minister said the Ghana Statistical Service had provided population estimates for various religious groups, but engaging faith-based leaders would ensure more accurate information about their membership.
He assured religious institutions that the government would continue to provide the necessary space to operate freely while promoting transparency and cooperation among all faiths.
Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, expressed gratitude to the President for policies implemented to ease conditions in the country, while offering prayers for the nation’s continued peace and prosperity.
He said the Muslim community remained appreciative of efforts by President John Dramani Mahama to improve the welfare of citizens and promote national development.
He noted that Muslims and followers of other faiths had long lived together in peace and harmony, emphasising the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in sustaining the country’s stability.
“Our diversity should not give rise to conflict or turmoil; rather, it should inspire us to support one another. We should not take pride merely in where we come from, but instead in our commitment to righteousness and piety,” he added.
The National Chief Imam prayed for God’s protection over the country, urging citizens to continue promoting peace and unity.
GNA