By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, Nov. 14, GNA – In a demonstration of total unity and commitment to peace, churches and mosques within the New Juaben South Municipality of the Eastern Region have, in various interdenominational engagements, advocated for interfaith tolerance and harmonious living.
The interfaith engagements aimed at promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities is spearheaded by the New Juaben South Municipal office of the
National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the New Juaben South Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC).
Through these collaborative efforts religious leaders are encouraging their congregations and followers to promote messages of peace and understanding amidst a politically charged environment.
The interfaith initiative, which began on October 18, 2023, persuades that diverse religious communities in the municipality work together to sustain Ghana’s prevailing peaceful atmosphere as the nation approaches December 7 elections.
The initiative targets selected churches and mosques across the municipality, to inform followers about the importance of preserving a peaceful environment.
The forum which commenced on October 18, and scheduled to run until November 10, 2024, also encourages worshippers from various faiths to vehemently reject any actions that could disrupt communal harmony.
During a session at the Koforidua Central Mosque, Alhaji Suleman Ahmed, a member of the IPDC, emphasized the crucial role of peace in fostering co-existence and facilitating development within communities.
“Peace is imperative for the co-existence of one another, and this can also lead to development within the neighbourhood and Ghana as a whole,” he remarked.
He urged Muslim worshippers to embody the principles of peace inherent in Islam and to reject violence that could threaten local tranquility.
At the Voice of Christ Mission-Ghana, Apostle Puzasor, the Chairperson of the IPDC, echoed similar sentiments, encouraging the congregation to be ambassadors of peace, and actively participate in sustaining peace.
He also underscored that a peaceful environment was essential for national development for the social and economic good of the people.
Mr. Clement Donkor, the Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) addressed the congregation at the House of Salvation Ministry about the importance of responsible communication.
He cautioned against misinformation during the electoral period, stating, “there is a lot of misinformation and disinformation circulating on our social media, and one needs to be very careful with the information that one circulates.”
He advised congregants to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it to avoid legal repercussions associated with spreading false information.
He condemned the practice of monetizing politics and urged voters to remain vigilant against the temptation to exchange their votes for money or material goods saying, “assess people who can deliver on their promises and vote for them.”
The IPDC and NCCE team has already visited several communities within the municipality including areas such as Obuotabiri, Afiafi, and Ntronang to extend their interfaith peace-promotion messages to residents.
GNA