The Right Reverend Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, the Bishop of the Accra Diocese of the Anglican Church, has made a clarion call to all political leaders to refrain from actions and utterances that could lead the nation into conflicts during this year's elections. He also appealed to all religious leaders to champion religious tolerance among their followers to maintain peaceful co-existence among the different religious faiths in the country.
Rt. Rev. Mensah Torto gave this admonition during the Annual National Iftar ceremony observed at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, Accra, Monday evening. The theme for this year's Jubilee House Iftar was: “Upholding the Virtues of Gratitude, Generosity, Peace, and Unity Beyond Ramadan.”
This year's Iftar observation at the Jubilee House marked the seventh edition since its inception in 2017 by President Akufo-Addo. The Anglican Bishop acknowledged the significant role the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has played over the years in fostering peace and religious tolerance between Muslims and other religious faiths in Ghana.
He also commended Vice President Bawumia for showing respect to all religious leaders in his public engagements and urged him to continue fostering peace, unity, and tolerance among Ghanaians.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, emphasized that Ramadan represented a unique time for Muslims to rededicate themselves to the virtues of Allah and show gratitude for His blessings. He underscored the importance of showing generosity, piety, justice, godliness, and humility during the month of Ramadan.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia thanked the guests and participants for joining him and the National Chief Imam to celebrate Iftar at the seat of government. He highlighted the Akufo-Addo-led government's commitment to inclusivity in its policy interventions, ensuring that development initiatives reach everyone.
Dr Bawumia mentioned policies like Free SHS, Free TVET, 1 District-1 Dam, 1 Constituency-1 Ambulance, and 1 Student-1 Laptop as examples of initiatives aimed at benefiting all citizens. He also mentioned the establishment of the Zongo Development Fund, which has implemented various projects to improve living conditions in Zongo communities.
The Annual National Iftar at the Jubilee House has become a platform where leadership and members of the Muslim Community in Ghana, including the Diplomatic Corps, gather to observe Ramadan. It has also become a shared platform where Christians, including the Clergy, join Muslims to participate in the Iftar, fostering unity and understanding among different religious groups.