Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumbungu and 2004 presidential running mate to Prof. Attah Mills, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, has called for the establishment of a National Council for Inter-religious Dialogue to deal with what he described as "emerging conflicts" in inter and intra-religious relations.
Speaking at a function to outdoor Sheikh Abdun-Nasir Abubakar as the Deputy National Imam of the Ahlussunna Wal Jama'a (ASWAJ) at the University of Ghana, Alhaji Mumuni said peace, stability and security are key factors for national development.
He commended Ghanaian Muslims and Christians for their peaceful coexistence which has partly contributed to the nation's peace and development.
The 2004 vice presidential candidate observed that Allah has blessed Ghana with a unique spirit of religious tolerance and further advised that the nation's peace should not be taken for granted adding that, "we must ceaselessly continue to cultivate, nurture and develop the peace at all times."
He also advised Muslims in the country to remain united and take the education of their children seriously. He further called on Muslims not to resort to acts that tarnish the reputation of Islam but rather commit themselves to activities that would continuously uplift the image of the religion.
In a welcome address, National Chief Imam of ASWAJ, His Eminence Sheikh Umar Ibrahim, drew attention to the vision of ASWAJ pointing out that that vision transcended the primary goal of spiritual upliftment of members to other imperatives that make the human being complete.
Sheikh Ibrahim emphasised the importance of Islamic knowledge for the development of the human being. He said the Holy Quran was replete with verses that emphasise why men should live pious lives.
The Chief Imam praised the leadership record and disposition of the incoming Deputy National Chief Imam. He identified the construction of a school complex at Agona Nyarkrom as one of the manifestations of the leadership qualities of Sheikh Abubakar.
The Chairman for the occasion, Sheikh Ishaq Nuamah, reitetrated the call by the national Chief Imam that Muslims in Ghana should progressively seek knowledge.
Shiekh Nuamah observed that illiteracy, ignorance and poverty are the major problems confronting Muslims in Ghana.
"The lack of opportunities and economic empowerment are driving Muslims to the periphery of national development. Education is the key to the problems confronting the Muslim fraternity and hence the need to take the education of our children seriously," he advised.
Other speakers at the function were Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, Chairman of the Islamic Centre for Humanitarian development; Major (Rtd) Alhaji Mohammed Issah, President of the Coalition of Muslim Organisation, and others.
There was also a delegation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which was led by Alhaji Mumuni. They were Mr. Baba Jamal, Deputy general secretary of the party; Hon. Mohammed Ibn Abass, MP for Bimbilla; Hon. Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, MP for Ayawaso East; Hon Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, MP for Asawase and Capt. Yussif, Chairman of the NDC Zongo caucus.