Shia cleric calls on President Mahama for all-inclusiveness

A prominent cleric of the Shia Muslim Community in Ghana and Imam of al-Kazim (as) Mosque, Sheikh Sulaiman Bandago, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to address the issue of All-inclusivity in his government.

The policy of providing equal access to opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, like the minority groups, including the physical and intellectually disabled persons in the country.

Fundamental among the institutions that urgently needs inclusiveness is the Hajj Board and the National Peace Council where the Shia Muslim Community is largely marginalized.

"It has come to our notice that the composition of the current interim Hajj Board including other relevant appointments to various state institutions have had the Shia isolated."

Thus, the lack of inclusivity, has permeated the political system in almost every issue area for a very long period of time. For instance, the lack of inclusivity has always manifested in the composition of the National Peace Council, selection of preachers to guide pilgrims in their ritual practices during Hajj seasons etc.

On the issue of Hajj, it was as a result of the failure of the immediate past administration of the Hajj Taskforce led by Honourable Collins Dawda and Alhaji Cool Younger to manage Hajj well that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama brought in Alhaji Tanko to streamline things.

Unfortunately, the Board upon resumption into office, has engaged the leadership of the Muslim Sects in the country without the Shia. This is the first time in the recent history of Hajj affairs that such a policy of isolationism is taking place.

Would the President, therefore, sit and watch a policy of isolationism being practically meted out to a section of the Ghanaian populace? Such may be a recipe for the destruction of the hard-won political reputation of the President and his administration.

" I am therefore, of the firm belief that the decision to isolate the Shia did not come from the President of the Republic, since the President is a devout Christian. His Excellency has on several occasions met with the leadership of the Shia in the past. The late Imam of the Shia Muslim Community, Sheikh Abdul Salam Bansi (ra) once met with the President and even made a prophesy of his future as President of the country that has come to pass."

"Thereafter, the President paid a courtesy call on the National Imam of the Shia Community, his eminence Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen (hf), at the Headquarters of the Shia Community in the leadup to election 2024.” So, for the same President to take a decision that seeks to isolate the Shia Muslim Community is unlikely.”

To ensure equal participation for marginalized groups through policies, programs, and internal reforms, I call on the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to consider the Shia Muslim Community in the country for access to opportunities in the current affairs of the country.

The Recent Youth Violence

The recent violent encounter among a section of the Zongo youth has been quite disturbing. The Presidential and Parliamentary elections have passed and there is no need for any political wrangling and violence especially between and among the youth.

We urge the Zongo youth to embrace love, peace, brotherhood, and eschew any act that may lead to violence as we are of a single community. Our honour and dignity as inhabitants of the Zongo will not become manifest until we close ranks and embrace peace and harmony.