Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, has called on the leadership of Muslims and Christians in Ghana to come together to create a joint religious pressure group to check the excesses of governments.
He said the group would provide the needed united front and a platform that speaks the gospel truth to power whenever necessary without partisan coloration and without fear or favour.
Mr Bagbin made the call at the opening of the fourth annual National Muslims Conference of Ghana, on the theme: “Towards bridging the gaps in national healthcare delivery in Ghana: The role of National Muslims Conference of Ghana (NMCG),” in Accra.
He said, “Political parties alone cannot guarantee the success of the democratic experiment of Ghana, until interest groups such as the NMCG, the Catholic Bishops Conference, and the Christian Council of Ghana play their roles in shaping policies and laws passed by government and judgements delivered by the judiciary.
He said the NMCG, spearheaded by the Muslim Caucus of Parliament and the leadership of the various Muslim sects in Ghana served as the mouth piece of all Ghanaian Muslims on matters of governance.
It also deliberates on developmental issues affecting all Muslims such as education, health, economic empowerment, and legal issues.
The Speaker said the Muslim community of Ghana had taken a giant step towards the strategic repositioning of the Muslim community in Ghana on the path of prosperity and the socio-economic and political development of Muslims.
He urged them to continue to work hard to take full ownership of the Conference so as to ensure that it would continue to serve as a mouth piece for Muslims to enable it influence policies of government and legislations deliberated in Parliament for the benefit of the Muslim community and nation at large.
Mr Bagbin also urged Ghanaians to prioritize unity and peace ensuring a safe environment for all citizens during the upcoming elections.
“Let us love one another, respect t our differences, uphold tolerance and live in harmony for continues development.”
Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, Chief Justice of Ghana, said the establishment of the NMCG demonstrated the ability and willingness of the leadership of the various Muslim sects in Ghana to focus on the matters that unit them and were key to fostering long lasting peace and security.
She said the theme for the conference was laudable and demonstrated the willingness of the leadership of all Muslim sects in Ghana not only to ensure Justice, but play a role to bridge the gap in healthcare delivery in Ghana.
She commended the NMCG for being the mouthpiece of Muslims and showing good example to all Muslims.
“This if sustained will affect the relations of Muslims not only with Muslims in Ghana, but with other members of the society who belong to other faiths.
Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam, said with the birth of the NMCG, Muslims now had their own institutional platform for the transmission of their common concern, and for the deliberation and overseeing the policies and decisions of government that affected them.
He assured government that the NMCG was an important partner in fostering diplomatic ties with Muslim nations across the globe and in enhancing government’s effort to attract investment towards the progressive development of the economy.
“We envision a golden future, where interfaith dialogue would be deepened in the country, enabling peaceful coexistence, tolerance of the religious practices of each other and respect for religious emotions.
Mr Yusif Jajah, Leader of the Muslim Caucus in Parliament, said the theme for the conference underscored the role of the Muslim community, not only in advocating for its healthcare rights but also in contributing positively to the healthcare system and national development.
He said the Muslim community “is a vibrant and integral part of the nation’s fabric,” contributing to education, healthcare, business among others, hence it was their duty to leverage on their collective strength and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to harness these contributions for the benefit of all Ghanaians.