Regional News of Saturday, 28 February 2015

Source: GNA

Muslim group commends government

The Muslim Rights Front (MRF), on Friday, commended the Government for responding to their petition on alleged violations of Muslims’ rights across the country.

“This action of the Government indicates its commitment to the rule of law and readiness to defend the constitution,” the group told the GNA in an interview.

“The fairness with which the Ministry of Communication handled the situation underscores the government’s commitment to solving national issues and exhibiting good leadership style.”

Haj Saeed Jallo, the Executive Director of the MRF, said the Government’s action would promote peace and tolerance among the citizenry in view of the the diverse cultural and religious beliefs.

It would be recalled that the group held a demonstration last week entreating the Government to allow Muslim women to wear the hijab (head scarf) at schools and work places.

He said, “We are calling on the leadership of the Muslim Community to remain united and firm on the matter, whilst calling on the Imams and the scholars to continue reminding the youth on the need to fulfill their religious obligations such as the wearing of the hijab, and praying five times daily, especially when the Constitution of the state endorses these practices.”

The group has also called on the Muslim leadership to open a dialogue with the authorities, as requested by the Christian Council of Ghana, for serious discussions on the issue of Muslim students attending Sunday Church Services on campus.

Haj Jallo entreated Muslim youths to, however, remain well-mannered in the face of any violation and to report appropriately to their local leaders for an amicable solution, emphasizing, “You need not resort to violence”.

“Meanwhile, we hope to remind all institutions in the country, be they private or public, to adhere to the call of the Government to respect the provisions of the Constitution, and by so doing we would have consolidated our reputation as one of the true democracies on the African continent,” he said.