The Chief Imam (2nd from right) saying a prayer at the function
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman NuhuSharubutu, has marked the 2021 Eid-ul-Adha celebration with the launch of a road safety campaign.
The campaign, which is being implemented by the Light Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), seeks to adopt religious dialogue as a means of promoting road safety among citizens.
Among other things, there would be collaborations with relevant authorities such as the National Road Safety Authority to engage stakeholders, including members of the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) on road safety measures at various bus terminals across the country.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday at the Neoplan Bus Terminal in Accra, the Imam who gave an address through his spokesperson, Sheikh ArimiyaoShuaib said that, drivers had an enormous responsibility of preserving lives of citizens in their care.
He indicated that, jeopardising the lives of citizens through recklessness induced by the consumption of intoxicants such as alcohol was inhumane.
He, therefore, expressed the wish of having every road user enjoy long life, free of ill health or any deficiency suffered as a result of road accident.
“The chief Imam would want the offspring of drivers to grow to see parents not suffering from any form of deformity,” he said.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Ali AbubakarNapari, remarked that launching a road safety campaign on a day to commemorate the sacrifice of Abraham signifies the importance of life.
Saving the life of any individual, he said, is valued more than any religious act of worship and for that matter called on road users, especially motorcycle riders, to pay heed to road traffic regulations.
He urged all religious leaders to incorporate messages of saving lives of road users when addressing their congregations.
The Welfare Secretary of the Neoplan GPRTU, AlhassanKassim, observed that road accidents tend to deprive families of their breadwinners.
He, therefore, tasked drivers to honour the code of their profession by adhering to all rules and regulations.
“Let the passengers appreciate the fact that they have been rendered the service of a professional. And this will all depend on how you conduct yourselves,” he told drivers.
By Issah Mohammed