The Vice Presidentof Ghana, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has extolled the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana for its sterling contributions to the growth of the country.
He said these contributions in the areas of education, agriculture, and health among others, had contributed significantly towards the socio-economic gains made by the country.
Speaking at the 91st Annual National Convention which was also used to commemorate the centenary of the community in Ghana at Pomadze, Dr. Bawumia said, the community had through its teachings dispelled the negative perception a section of the society had about Islam.
He said as a co-founder of the Muslims for Peace, the Ahmadiyya community had, in collaboration with others, ensured that Ghanaians of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds live in peace and harmony.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is also the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), thanked the Ahmadiyya Mission for its support in the performance of his duties as vice president and prayers to Allah for granting him his request to vie for the presidency of the republic.
Fraternal messages
Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, entreated Ahmadis to use the centenary celebration to build a peaceful society. He said, that as the nation readies for the December presidential and parliamentary elections, political actors must desist from the campaign of insults, hate speech, violent extremism, and personality attacks. As well as refraining from the use of vulgar language.
From the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose, the General Secretary said, the theme for the centenary celebration is timely, as the past 100 years has been a period of good collaboration with the Christian community. He said the immense role of Ahmadiyya in the promotion of peace in the country is highly appreciated.
Dr. Fayose said, the election atmosphere is already here and called on the mission to join in the campaign for a peaceful election. He advised the youth to eschew violence and radicalism during the electioneering period.
He invited the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission to a leadership ethical conference being organized in all regions of the country with actors in the election by the Council.
The Spokesperson to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Arimeyaw Shaibu who represented His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Usman Nuhu Sharabutu, described Ahmadiyya as a great Muslim community and highlighted the cordial relations that existed between Ahmadiyya and the office of the Chief Imam over the years.
Sheikh Sharabutu expressed concern about enmity that exists among people of different religious groups and disrespect for the elderly in society. He was worried about the beating of war drums from the camp of political parties saying, “It is healthy for the country”.
He charged all particularly the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble but to commit to promoting the peace of the country.
By Abdul Hameed Amponsah, Khuddam Qaid, Gomoa East
