Accra: Officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) embarked on a tour of selected Muslim groups in Accra on Monday to distribute food items to support the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

The donation formed part of the government’s efforts to engage religious communities and support Muslims during one of the most sacred periods in the Islamic calendar.

Accompanied by the Chief Director and other senior officials of the Ministry, the Minister presented bags of rice and sugar to support communal feeding activities, particularly meals used to break the daily fast during Ramadan.

The delegation visited the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission at Osu, the Ghana Muslim Mission at Korle Gonno, the Shia Muslim community at New Town, the National Chief Imam’s residence at Fadama, and the leader of the Ahlussunnah Wal Jama’ah Muslim community at Abeka.

Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in an interview explained that the initiative was carried out at the behest of President John Dramani Mahama to recognise the contributions of Muslim communities to national development.

“If you talk about giving or charity, you cannot exclude the Muslims, and we are in the month of Ramadan, when all Muslims fast and seek to draw closer to God, which also coincides with the Christian season of Lent,” he added.

He said it was proper that when Muslims were observing Ramadan, the nation also made gestures to recognise their contributions, especially as the less privileged often relied on Muslim communities for support during this period.

Mr Ibrahim said one of President Mahama’s visions was to bring together religious leaders, government officials, and traditional authorities to collectively build the country.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, expressed appreciation to the minister and the government for the gesture.

He prayed for the minister, the president and the nation, asking for peace, unity and continued progress for Ghana.

He noted that Muslims and followers of other faiths had long lived together in peace and harmony, emphasising the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in sustaining the country’s stability.

“Our diversity should not give rise to conflict or turmoil; rather, it should inspire us to support one another. We should not take pride merely in where we come from, but instead in our commitment to righteousness and piety,” he added.

The National Chief Imam prayed for God’s protection over the country, urging citizens to continue promoting peace and unity.

Leaders of the various Muslim communities visited also expressed gratitude for the support, describing the donation as a timely gesture during the Ramadan period.

At the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Osu, the Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Mission, Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, commended the Minister for the gesture and his continued engagement with religious leaders.

He praised the minister for his open-door policy and accessibility, which he said had strengthened relations between government and religious bodies.

The Ameer noted that the peaceful coexistence among religious groups in Ghana remained an important foundation for national development.