A scene during the programme
A Turkish non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Ghana, TUDEC, has held its 13th annual dialogue and peace Iftar dinner in Accra with a call on members of faith-based groups to co-exist in harmony as a means of influencing change in their respective communities.
President of TUDEC, Mr. Cafer Tapeli, in his opening remarks, said the dialogue is aimed at reminding faith-based groups about the need to live in harmony as brothers, neighbours and partners in all fields of endeavour.
He said the dialogue has over the years brought many distinguished personalities from diverse religious backgrounds together to reflect on the importance of peace and the need to remain tolerant and live in harmony.
According to him, faith-based groups can only express peace and unity in their daily lives as children of God through empathy for each other.
He said both Muslims and Christians are enjoined by the Holy Quran and Holy Bible of the blessings that await them if they adhere to the dictates of their religious principles, which largely emphasise peace.
The Iftar or the breaking of fast by Muslims, which was observed at East Legon, was also interspersed with recitals and songs from Baptist Church children’s choir.
Being a programme to engender harmony, the organisers as they have done over the years, hosted Christians too.
Present at the event were representatives of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Office of President John Mahama, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Peace Council, Amnesty International, civil society organisations (CSOs) non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) and other notable dignitaries.
Chief Imam for Madina West and Member of the National Peace Council, Sheikh Salman Mohammed Alhassan prayed for the leadership of the country, especially the President, as well as participants.
He, however, appealed to them to promote a culture of co-existence, especially during the month of Ramadan where they are required to reflect on the love and goodness of God towards one another.
Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, George Amoo, for his part, said though the meeting among people of diverse faith was a testament to peaceful co-existence in Ghana, religious groups need to work at improving upon their relationships with people in their daily lives. He cited references to the importance of fasting in the book of Ezra and the Holy Quran.
Some individuals who were honoured for their exceptional contribution to promoting peace, human rights and support for humanity included Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping and Training Centre and Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
The rest are Madam Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the Chief Executive of The Light Foundation, Sheikh Ali Abubakar Napari.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah