The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu has called on the Members of Parliament (MP) to show goodwill in resolving the impasse that has engulfed parliament, leading to the indefinite adjournment of parliamentary seating.

He said the current impasse has raised the political temperature of Ghanaians above the tolerable levels in the lead-up to the general election, which was less than two months away.

“We appeal to the honourable members of parliament to allow cooler heads to prevail in the interest of mother Ghana and the Ghanaian electorates,” said Maulvi Mohammed Bin Saleh, the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, who spoke on behalf of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu.

He made the remarks at the opening of the fourth edition of the annual National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG), which was held on Friday, October 25, 2024.

The theme for the event was “Towards Bridging the Gaps in National Healthcare Delivery in Ghana: The Role of the National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG).”

He urged the government to recognise Muslims as partners in healthcare delivery due to their age-old contribution in the area of herbal, homoeopathic, orthodox, and spiritual healing.

The National Imam said it was heartwarming for Muslims, irrespective of sectarian difference, to sit at a table to discuss issues affecting them.

He said the conference has become an important partner in fostering diplomatic ties with Muslim nations across the globe and enhancing government efforts to attract investment towards the progressive development of the country.

“We as Muslims of Ghana envisage a golden future where interfaith dialogue will be deepened in our beloved country, enabling peaceful coexistence,” he said.

He encouraged Muslims to pay their zakat regularly to enable the community to empower itself.

The National Chief Imam also urged Muslims to do away with intemperate language and shun violence to allow for peaceful elections.

The vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who donated a vehicle and an amount of GH₵100,000 to the NMCG, said he has the intention of classifying faith-based groups as development partners of government.

This was to incentivise them and allow them to have a bigger space to compliment government development efforts in many areas.

“This policy seeks to grant tax exemptions on certain imported materials for developmental purposes, especially in health and education.”

He also disclosed that the 40 students from Zongo communities who were granted scholarships to study as medical doctors in Cuba will return next year.

“This will further bridge the gap of access to health care delivery in the zongo communities.”

He commended the NMCG for providing the platform to dialogue and embarking on initiatives such as the establishment of the Ghana Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the development of an action plan to take advantage of government policies on technical vocational and education and training (TVET).

“I am informed that the NMCG undertook a nationwide TVET research survey to establish the most appropriate and accessible TVET activity to the Muslim community within Ghana,” he said.

Sheikh Abubakar Kamaludeen, the National Imam of Shia, said promoting an effective healthcare delivery system was hinged on having a protected environment that included water bodies.

He underpinned the lack of morality as the cause for disregard of regulations intended to protect water bodies from illegal mining.

Drawing inspiration from the story told in the Quran about how the prophet Ayub (Job) got healing from his medical condition, he said Muslims must understand that deliverance from sickness was from Allah, Muslims need medical assistance for healing, and that water played a critical role in providing good health care delivery.

“We don’t need the armed forces to fight galamsey for us if really we can adhere to the principles of morality.” He spoke. “Our water bodies are being polluted by immorality.”

Sheikh Dr. Amin Bonsu, Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission, commended Muslim leaders in Ghana for continuously working together for the betterment of Ghanaian citizens through the NMCG.

He said Muslims have a greater role in the promotion of good living and saving lives as ordained in the holy Quran.

In that regard, he said it was time for Muslims in the health sector to coordinate efforts towards a holistic approach to healthcare delivery in the country.

“Allah tells us in the Quran that whoever saves a life is as though has saved the elife of an entire humanity,” he said.

Sheikh Harun Wadud, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Harun Ciesse, President of the Tijjaniyya Muslims of Ghana, called for peace and unity as the country heads to polls in December.

He appealed to citizens to accept the outcome of the elections, as leadership was ordained by Allah and is manifested in election outcomes.

The National Imam of Ahlusunnah Wal Jamma, Sheikh Hajj Umar Ibrahim, advised Muslims to understand that their duties to Islam were beyond offering regular daily prayers.

He called for the commitment of more time and resources and the need to shun hypocrisy to strengthen the Muslim community.

Alhaj Abdul Fatah Alsattari, Ambassador of Palestine to Ghana and Head of the Arab Diplomats in Ghana, said the situation in Gaza, where health facilities are not functioning due to the ongoing war, should inform Ghanaians that health was more important than economic wealth.

He commended the Ghanaian community for its support of the Palestinian cause and urged them to prioritise the interests of the country to make the country stronger economically and politically.

Justice Nabila Naeem Wahab, a High Court judge representing Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, said the Chief Justice commended Muslims for coming together.

She said that the formation of the NMCG also demonstrated the ability and willingness of the Muslim leadership to focus on the matters that unite them rather than what divides them.

“This is key to fostering long-lasting peace and security. Her ladyship therefore commends the NMCG for its efforts thus far,” she said.