Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan addressing members of the Constitutional Review Committee
Zango residents across the country are expected to heave a sigh of relief following government’s proposal to tackle discrimination based on hometown or indigeneity through legislation.
The Chairman of the Muslim Peace and Reconciliation Committee in the Ashanti Region, Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan, has welcomed the move, describing it as a major step towards addressing the longstanding challenges faced by many Zango dwellers.
Government’s position on the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee proposes that protection against discrimination based on hometown or indigeneity be addressed through a Comprehensive Human Rights Act.
Sheikh Ridwan said the proposal could help resolve difficulties faced by many Zango residents who are unable to identify an ancestral or indigenous hometown, particularly when dealing with official documents such as the Ghana Card and passport.
He said the demand put forward during the constitutional review process was for equal treatment and access to public services for all Ghanaians, irrespective of ancestry, hometown or ethnic origin.
The Muslim leader expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and Cabinet for giving serious consideration to the concerns raised by affected citizens.
He also commended the Constitutional Review Committee, particularly its Chairman, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh; Secretary, Dr. Rainer Akumperigya; Madam Charlotte Osei; and Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, for their attention to the memoranda submitted on the matter.
Sheikh Ridwan further acknowledged the support of the Chief Executive Officer of Marhaba FM in Accra, Alhaji Baba Sherif, during the various engagements on the issue.
He, however, called on government to treat the proposed legislation as a matter of urgency as part of the implementation of the constitutional review recommendations.
He also appealed to Parliament to give the eventual bill prompt and favourable consideration, to provide clear and enforceable protection against discrimination based on hometown or indigeneity.
According to him, the legislation would bring significant relief to Zango communities across Ghana, including Fulanis, Hausas, Mossis and other groups who have lived in the country for generations and contributed to its development.
“Our demand has always been simple: equal citizenship, equal dignity and equal protection under Ghanaian law. We are not asking for privileges; we are asking for justice and equality,” Sheikh Ridwan stated.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi