Muslims show the way

-Present 14-point demands to flagbearers   

The National Muslim Conference of Ghana, led by National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Nuhu Sharubutu, has presented a 14-point ‘Muslim Manifesto’ to the leadership of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The Conference outlined some of the proposals in their manifesto, which includes a request for the construction of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools in all Zongo communities in the sixteen administrative regions of the country.

They are also proposing an amendment of the inter-state succession bill before parliament to allow Muslims to decide their inheritance by Islamic ordinances, the construction of modern abattoirs that meet the World Health Organization’s standard in all regions of Ghana, and the establishment of a permanent pilgrimage board that would facilitate the sacred trip to Mecca every year.

General Secretary of the Conference, Alhaji Inusah, highlighted the long-standing belief within the Muslim community of being deprived of equal opportunities.

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.

The National Muslim Conference was incorporated on December 20, 2021, and it is a self-governing institutional mechanism with three main structures.

The structures are the governing body, the management board, and the secretariat headed by the General Secretary.

The body was established by a deed signed by the National Chief Imam, the National Imams of all the Muslim groups in Ghana, including chiefs, as well as the chairman of the Muslim caucus in Parliament.

It serves as a forum for deliberation and management of matters relating to Educational, Health, Financial, and the General well-being of Muslims in Ghana.

NPP promises to consider the proposals

In response, Vice-President and Flagbearer of NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, assured the Conference that his campaign and manifesto teams are ready to consider the proposals and incorporate them into the party’s 2024 election manifesto.

He expressed gratitude to the delegation and reiterated his commitment to the development of Ghana through policies and structures.

He also assured them that his campaign and manifesto teams are ready to consider inputs from the NMC and other stakeholders for inclusive development.

He said his doors are always opened for innovative ideas and suggestions that would ensure inclusive development of the country.

Dr. Bawumia said the NPP has demonstrated unquestionable commitment to the progress of the Zongo Community in the past 7 years by instituting a statutory development vehicle for Zongo Development.

To buttress his point, he shared extensive achievements chalked by the NPP government in Zongo communities over the past seven years.

200 projects in Zongos by NPP

Dr. Bawumia made a presentation to the National Muslim Council detailing comprehensive infrastructure and development projects in over 200 Zongo communities, complete with names of towns and regions where they are located.

These projects include classroom blocks, ICT libraries, mechanized water systems, entrepreneurial training, scholarships, and astro turfs, all funded through the Zongo Development Fund, which was established in fulfillment of the government’s campaign promise.

“Until recently, politics in the Zongos was reduced to the provision of rice and sugar, and that was it. We were not discussing policies in Zongo politics, and since I got into politics, I thought this should change.

“That is why we have focused more on policies and structures for the Zongo communities.”

“We spoke about sustainable development for Zongo communities with policy structures, and we established the Zongo Development Fund when we got the opportunity.

“They have done so much in the area of educational infrastructure and scholarships, health, entrepreneurial support, astro turfs, and many others, as you have seen,” he added.

“Our idea coming into office was that the most important area to focus on to develop people is education.

“So we really focused a lot on education across the country, and in Zongo communities, through the Zongo Development Fund, we have built quite a number of classroom blocks, rehabilitated some, and offered tertiary education grants and scholarships to many brilliant but needy students.”

“In addition to this, our Free SHS policy has offered opportunities to many, including females, to have access to secondary education,” Dr. Bawumia said.

NDC pledges to consider the proposals

In his response, Former President John Mahama acknowledged that many of the points outlined in the Muslim Manifesto are already included in the 2020 People’s Manifesto of the NDC. However, he also recognized the presence of other critical issues and recommendations in the proposal that the NDC manifesto committee would carefully consider to ensure that the Muslim community receives the benefits they deserve.

Former President Mahama announced that the next NDC administration would decentralize the implementation of the STEM program into secondary education, making it available in all schools rather than confining it to standalone campuses.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the NDC, Former President Mahama thanked the National Chief Imam and his entourage for their visit and their proposals.

He assured them that his team would take a keen interest in their requests and appreciated their proactive approach, stating that it made it easier for him as the flagbearer of the NDC to address their concerns effectively.