The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng has called on Christian and Muslim leaders to put succession plans in place as the leadership move from generation to generation.
He said this during the 2nd Annual National Dialogue of the Catholic-Muslim Leaders Conference last Thursday in Accra.
The Minister stated that the leaders of Christian and Muslim religions have to choose a path and plan carefully since a peaceful country fosters prospects for development.
According to him, majority of conflicts in chieftaincy areas arise from the lack of a named successor, which raises the question as to who should take over as the next chief or leader.
He expressed his excitement on the steps that Muslims and Christians have taken not just to co-exist but also to overcome the barriers of religious prejudice, adding that this promotes peace and national development.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, on his part, touching on the theme, ‘Overcoming the Barriers of Religious Prejudices for Sustainable Peace and Development in Ghana- Successes and Challenges’, indicated that Allah has called all people from diverse places to come together to support each other to develop.
He noted that Allah has stated in the Holy Quran that Muslims should be kind not just to those who follow their religion but also to those who do not follow any religion or other religions and have not fought them because of their religion.
Dr Sharubutu was happy that the second dialogue between Muslims and Christians has taken place, noting that this would not only promote peace but also open-up the country for development.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
