Elections 2016: Upper East Muslim, Traditional & Religious Leaders Make Peace Commitment


Muslim clergies, traditional and opinion leaders in the upper east region have committed to promoting peace in the run up to the 2016 general elections. 

They have also called on Muslim youth who are mostly influenced and used to cause mayhem during elections to practice peace during the upcoming elections in order to achieve the main aim of Islam for the glory of Allah. 

The leaders made the commitment at a sensitization workshop organized by Islamic Foundation for Peace and Development, IFPAD; for Muslim clergy and traditional leaders in Bolgatanga. 

The workshop dubbed, ‘strengthening the Islamic Community’s Participation in the Electoral Process’ was supported by UNDP and DANIDA and it was aimed at sensitizing participants on the electoral process and the urgent need to use their positions  to preach peace to the Muslim communities especially the youth. 

The sensitization workshop brought over hundred Muslim clergies, traditional and opinion leaders, Imams, women and youth groups. 

The Executive Secretary for the Islamic Foundation for Peace and Development, IFPAD; Garba Auwdu Telle, said since Islam stood for peace there was the need for Muslims especially the youth to observe it in order to make the religion authentic for others to follow. 

He said the youth was the driving forces of every vibrant community and that many people will want to use them to achieve their parochial interest as the election time approached and urged them to be wary of such people as they were out to achieve their selfish interest and destroy the society. 

Mr. Telle asked the youth to remain committed to the peace and stability being enjoyed in the country by eschewing all tendencies of hooliganism and chaos. 

He also charged them to be ambassadors for peace in this year’s election. 

Touching on the essence of the sensitization workshop, Mr. Teller said the aim was to educate the participants to be better informed and positioned to use any available platforms to enlighten the youth on the dangers associated with violent conflicts. 

A Member of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, Rev. Eric Adjei Nmai highlighted on the negative myths surrounding Islam, stereotyping of Muslims and how Muslims themselves can bust these stereotypes and help position the religion and its adherent in a positive light. 

He said Islam has been associated with terrorism, intolerant, violence, one party supporters and above all some claim Muslims are inward looking. 

He said this has become necessary more so in an election period where politicians are clutching on these negative stereotypes to advance their political objectives. 

Mr. Nmai said Muslims of today have to remember that pioneer Muslims of the past centuries helped shape today’s world with their minds and inventions and not their physical might. 

He said Islam is peaceful and a positive religion and advised Muslims to be better placed to know these positive perspectives of their faith and to exhibit them in their daily lives for the education of the uninformed. 

Mr. Nmai indicated that Islam is a global faith that has come with a mission of hope for peace and compassion for humanity but however, said to make this claim real and meaningful, it should be backed by concrete actions through which peace and harmony could be made the common and shared experience of all. 

The Regional President of Forum for Muslim Women Association of Ghana, FOMWAG; Hajia Sheilu Tahiru said women will do their bid to advise their children to stay away from trouble. 

She called on Muslim leaders to also ensure they do their part to ensure the existence of peace especially in the Zongo communities since women and children tend to suffer most when there is chaos.

GBC