Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to embrace religious tolerance, particularly in mission schools, emphasizing the importance of freedom of religion as enshrined in the nation's constitution. He made these remarks during a meeting with Regional Chief Imams at the Presidency.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Delegation of the Conference of Regional Chief Imams visited the Presidency to congratulate President Mahama on his victory in the December 7, 2024, general elections. During the meeting, President Mahama highlighted the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and worship, stressing that there should be no religious discrimination in educational institutions.
President Mahama pointed out that in communities where mission schools are the only educational option, students of different faiths should not be compelled to adopt the school's predominant religion. He mentioned that the Minister of Interior has been tasked with leading efforts to promote religious tolerance, with a memorandum of understanding already signed by relevant parties.
The President announced the government's accelerated recruitment of Islamic teachers, with an agreement in place to recruit 3,000 Arabic teachers. This initiative aims to bolster the Islamic educational units across the country. Additionally, the Scholarship Secretariat has been directed to support students from underprivileged urban areas, primarily Zongos and Muslim communities, focusing on fields like medicine, engineering, law, and ICT.
President Mahama also addressed ongoing projects at Al-Farouk College of Education, which were initiated during his previous administration but stalled after he left office. He assured that contractors would soon resume work on these projects, including lecture halls, hostels, and administrative buildings.
Furthermore, the Health Minister is working with major hospitals to expedite the release of Muslim bodies for burial, aligning with Islamic practices, except in cases requiring investigation. The government is also constructing a transit terminal at Kotoka International Airport to improve facilities for Hajj pilgrims.
Alhaji Sullah Abdullah Quandah, Secretary to the Conference of Regional Imams, expressed gratitude to President Mahama for instituting an additional holiday for the Eid al-Fitr celebration and offered prayers for the successful realization of his vision to enhance the Muslim community's human resource base in Ghana.