The Muslim Professionals Association has called for continued cordial relationship between Muslims and Christians in Ghana.
In a statement signed by the National President, Prof. Alhaji Abdul Samed Muntaka, the Association said they expect that the rights of young Muslim students to freely practice their religion will be respected in all educational institutions, including those founded by missions .
“Just as Muslims have demonstrated tolerance in public institutions initiated by Islamic Missions. Harmony cannot be sustained on the back of systematic violations against any group,” portions of the statement read.
The group stressed that Ghana must heed lessons from other nations.
“International experience shows that neglecting the rights of religious minorities breeds inequality, exclusion and instability, often with catastrophic consequences. Persistent injustice toward one group has ignited conflict elsewhere; Ghana must not tread this dangerous path. Preserving our peace demands proactive and unwavering adherence to constitutional principles,” the Association added.
They categorically called upon the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Education, and all relevant state institutions to: take immediate, decisive and transparent steps to end all violations of religious rights in educational institutions.
“Ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion. Prevent the use of public funds to perpetrated and promote unconstitutional acts. Promote policies and practices that strengthen interfaith harmony and equality.”
The group said preserving interfaith harmony requires proactive measures, strict adherence to constitutional provisions, and a firm commitment to equality.
They urged all stakeholders to work together to protect these rights and maintain Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peace and coexistence.
They stated that peace and harmony between Muslims and Christians in Ghana is a priceless national asset, that must be safeguarded, promoted, and strengthened.
“This coexistence, however, depends on the uncompromising protection of the constitutional rights guaranteed to all citizens under the 1992 Constitution. Persistent struggles by Muslims to secure these rights, coupled with the failure of successive governments to decisively address violations, pose a grave threat to the mutual respect that underpins our national unity.
“Recent developments, including the legal case involving Wesley Girls High and Osman Shafic, and the position adopted by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, which stands in stark contradiction to the recent assurance by the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, during his engagement with regional Imams that “no student should be compelled to abandon their faith”, have highlighted serious ambiguities in the interpretation and application of constitutional provisions on religious freedom,” the statement noted.
According to them, any justification that appears to endorse actions inconsistent with these guarantees is unacceptable. Furthermore, the use of public funds, contributed by citizens of diverse faiths, to finance and promote these unconstitutional acts is an affront to every taxpayer.”
“We, the Muslim Professionals Association, deeply value the cordial relationship between Muslims and Christians in Ghana. We expect that the rights of young Muslim students to freely practice their religion will be respected in all educational institutions, including those founded by missions—just as Muslims have demonstrated tolerance in public institutions initiated by Islamic missions.”
By Benjamin Aidoo
