The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the ministry to organize national prayer and thanksgiving events for both Christians and Muslims.

To achieve this, a special task force will be formed, including representatives from all Muslim sects, to coordinate a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service. Similarly, Christian denominations will collaborate to establish a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day.

Ahmed Ibrahim made this known during a visit to various Muslim communities on Friday, March 14. His team donated essential food items such as rice and sugar, along with an undisclosed amount of money, to support them during Ramadan.

Among the leaders visited were the National Chief Imam, the Supreme Leader of the Al-Suna Muslim Community, the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, and the Supreme Leader of the Shia Muslim Community.

During the visit, the minister also addressed concerns raised by Muslim leaders about the challenges some Muslim students face in mission schools, particularly restrictions on practicing their religious beliefs. He assured them that the government is committed to promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“The kind of religious tolerance that we have, which has long been an asset to the country, must be preserved. Their prayer is that we do everything possible to promote it.

“Concern was also raised about Muslim students being denied the right to observe their religious practices in some mission schools. Their opinion was that we must create a platform, together with the Minister for Education, as well as the leadership of the Education Service, to find an amicable solution to the problem.”

“We were tasked with working together with the National Peace Council and religious institutions to resolve the situation, which I believe may not be too difficult to achieve”he said.

He assured that after Ramadan, he would engage relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution and foster mutual respect for religious diversity.

“His Excellency, the President, recognizes the role of Allah in governance. Therefore, he has tasked the ministry with establishing a National Thanksgiving Service for both our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters.

“Additionally, we were directed to form a task force that will institute a National Prayer Day for Muslims and a similar one for Christians. We have already made initial contact with them, but we will revisit the issue after Ramadan to get their representatives for the committee,” he noted.