The Ghanaian Minaret

A delegation of the National Muslim Conference has submitted a proposal to be considered by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in their manifestos.

The delegation led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, met both leaders of the two political parties at separate meetings to present a 14-point “Muslim Manifesto” that highlights the needs of the Muslim community in Ghana.

The proposal includes a request for the construction of STEM and TVET schools in all Zongo communities in the sixteen administrative regions; the amendment of the inter-state succession bill before parliament to allow Muslims to decide their inheritance by Islamic ordinances; and the construction of modern abattoirs that meet the World Health Organisation’s standard in all regions of Ghana.

They also proposed the establishment of a permanent pilgrimage board that would facilitate the sacred trip to Mecca every year.

For the NPP, the proposal was received by the NPP campaign team and the manifesto committees on Thursday in Accra.

Also present was the Vice President of Ghana and the Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who reiterated the NPP’s commitment to inclusive development.

He outlined the massive infrastructure and other development projects the current government has undertaken in Zango communities across the country.

These included classroom blocks, ICT libraries, mechanised water systems, entrepreneurial training, scholarships, and astroturfs, funded through the Zongo Development Fund, which we established in fulfilment of our campaign promise.

“We remain committed to the development of our country through policies and structures, and my campaign and manifesto team are ready to consider inputs from the NMC and other stakeholders for our inclusive development,” the first Muslim flag bearer of the NPP said.

While meeting the leadership of the NDC, the General Secretary of the Conference, Alhaji Inusah Mohammed, explained that the Muslim community believes it has long been deprived of equal opportunities to share in the national cake. The presentation of the Muslim manifesto to all political parties is, therefore, a proactive step to ensure they are not neglected by political actors again.

In his response, the NDC leader, John Dramani Mahama, acknowledged that many of the points captured in the Muslim Manifesto are contained in the 2020 People’s Manifesto of the NDC.

He, however, acknowledged other critical issues and recommendations in the Chief Imam’s proposal that the NDC manifesto committee would consider to ensure that the Muslim community benefits from what is due them.

Mr. Mahama announced that the next NDC administration would decentralise the implementation of the STEM programme into secondary education and make it available in all schools rather than leaving it as a stand-alone campus.

He also assured the Muslim community of his already announced plan to establish a National Pilgrimage Authority to oversee all pilgrim activities in Ghana when elected to office in the 2024 general elections.

Mr. Mahama, on behalf of the NDC, thanked the National Chief Imam and his entourage for the visit and their proposals. He assured them that his team would take a keen interest in their requests and appreciated their proactive step, making it easier for him as the flag bearer of the NDC.

The NMC of Ghana is a body that serves as the mouthpiece of all Muslims in Ghana and a forum for the deliberations and participation of Muslims in the development of national policies, programmes, and legislation affecting the lives of Ghanaian Muslims in general.

These include matters relating to education, health, finance, and economic empowerment.

The conference seeks to provide a common platform or forum for Muslims in Ghana.