The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama, recognizing the significance of faith in national affairs, has directed the ministry to establish a task force comprising representatives from all Muslim sects to organize a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service.
Similarly, representatives from various Christian denominations will be involved in creating a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day.
The minister made this announcement during a visit to several Muslim groups on Friday, March 14, where he and his team made donations as part of their commitment to promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Among the Muslim leaders visited were the National Chief Imam, the Supreme Leader of the Al-Suna Muslim Community, the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, and the Supreme Leader of the Shia Muslim Community.
To support these leaders during the Ramadan season, the ministry donated bags of rice, bags of sugar, and an undisclosed sum of money to each group.
Addressing the media, Ahmed Ibrahim acknowledged concerns raised by Muslim leaders, particularly regarding Muslim students facing restrictions in some mission schools that prevent them from practising their religious obligations.
“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.”
“We were tasked with working together with the National Peace Council and religious institutions to resolve the situation, which I believe may not be too difficult to achieve.”He said.
He 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.
