Ahead of 2016 Elections: Christians and Muslims march for peace

Story by Isaac Asare, GBC

Rev Emmanuel Atami, Chairperson Upper Presbytery (Extreme Left)

The clergy

Christians and Muslims in a jubilant mood

Muslims and Christians in the Upper East Region have climaxed a week-long fasting and prayer with a peace march to drum home the urgency for both religious faiths to demonstrate a sense of oneness as the country prepares for yet another decisive poll, come November, 7. 

The event organized under the auspices of the forum of heads of religious bodies highlighted the involvement of religious leaders in propagating the message of unity while working towards a peaceful election 2016. 

At a brief ceremony held at the Jubilee Park, various speakers encouraged spiritual heads not to show hesitation in condemning any potential threat to the country’s prevailing peace and security, bearing in mind that there is a price to pay should any political violence erupts. 

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Tamale, Rt Rev. Dr Jacob Kofi Ayeebo, added his voice to the call and urged Ghanaians to be committed to peace and pray against any unforeseen eventuality.

 Background

 In the wake of any political elections, there seem to be an amount of tension and a feeling of uneasiness among electorates since any least provocation could trigger electoral violence. 

Most people are often gripped with fear and are unable to come out clear to condemn needless acts that have the potential of inciting violence. 

Ghana now stands at a crossroad, the mood is not that different because there is hardly a day without news of denigrating verbal exchanges, report of people being beaten up, hurt, and worse of all killed for political reasons.  

 There are instances where party offices are attacked and burn due to misunderstanding. 

What is gradually creeping into the country’s political atmosphere is ethic and religious politics. This has the tendency of breeding religious intolerance when not held in check. 

The Forum of heads of religious bodies consider this unhealthy development as an affront to the Bible and Quranic concept of peace and unity and therefore have no choice than  to stand against any eventuality especially in the run up to this year’s general elections. 

The peace march was intended to solidify the peaceful-co-existence between Muslims and Christians and to underscore the need for religious tolerance before, during and after the elections. 

The march involving members of the various religious denominations began at exactly 7 am at the St John’s Park through to the principal street of Bolgatanga and later climaxed at the Bolgatanga Jubilee Park. 

In his welcome address, Rt. Rev. Dr Jacob Kofi Ayeebo commended Muslims and Christians for the show of solidarity and the level of interfaith unity. 

His message was rekindled by the Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, Rev Bishop Alfred Agyenta. He spoke on the theme: “Peaceful Co-existence leads to peaceful elections. 

Maulvi Yusi Bi Sali of the Ahmadiya Mission

On behalf of the Muslim leaders, the regional missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim mission, Maulvi Yusif Bin Sali described peace as an essential commodity of society that must be nurtured and not be traded for anything. 

He cautioned Christians and Muslims against divisive tendencies that may cause religious enmity. Maulvi Bin Sali also impressed on the EC to be firm on its decisions   and execute its mandate in a fair and transparent manner.

 Prayers were said for divine protection over the country, the President, Parliamentarians, the Chief Justice and the Judiciary, Security Operatives, Political Parties as well as the Electoral Commission and all that matters in the upcoming elections. 

In attendance was the deputy Upper East Regional minister, Dr Robert Kuganab-Lem, Chairperson of the Upper Presbytery, Rev Emmanuel Atami and a host of religious heads from the various Muslim and Christian faith.

Also present were members of the Ghana Red Cross Society and the Salvation Army.

GBC