Mr John Dramani Mahama, former President and flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 general elections, has tasked Imams and Christian Leadersin the country to always preach religious tolerance to enhance the socio-economic development of the country.
According to him, the country and Moslems have beautiful arrangements and processes of choosing leadership in the communities and the society as a whole, that have ensured consistent development and coexistence among the citizenry, for which we must be grateful to God for the religious tolerance.
Speaking at the 3rd National Conference of Imams in Kumasi, under the theme:‘The Imam, The Ummah and Development’, the former President reminded the Imams of the huge responsibilities on their shoulders as role models and teachers for others to emulate. He tasked them to be humble, selfless, kind and generous like the Prophet Muhammed and Jesus Christ, who lived their lives as role models and teachers of the Holy Books.
According to him, the religious leaders play a key role in the development of the country and urged the Imams to always contribute to nation building. He urged all Ghanaians to contribute their quota to rescue the country from the economic mess created by the NPP government over the last six years.
Mr Mahama entreated Ghanaians to always respect the constitution and provisions of democracy to change the government.
Dr. Haruna Zagoon-Sayeed, from the Department for Religious Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, explained that the Conference was aimed at equipping Imams to work towards building and strengthening the unity of Moslem Communities to improve their lot.
According to him, it was expected that Imams in Ghana would become effective and have the spiritual, socio-economic, political and educational capabilities towards development of Moslems in Ghana.
Dr. Zagoon-Sayeed asked Imams to question politicians what development they bring to their communities, while preaching peace through their platforms.
He entreated them to invest in education, as most of the youths in the Zongos want education, but they have no helper.
He encouraged the Moslem Communities to remain united towards their total development.
