Having religious representatives on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs board in Ghana is important for several reasons:
Representation: Religious representatives can provide a voice for their respective religious communities and ensure that their concerns and interests are taken into account in policy-making and decision-making processes.
Expertise: Religious representatives can bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise on religious matters to the board, helping to inform and shape policies and initiatives related to religious affairs in Ghana. Mediation: Religious representatives can help to mediate conflicts and promote dialogue and understanding between different religious groups, fostering peace and harmony in the country.
Accountability: Having religious representatives on the board can help ensure that the government remains accountable to its religious communities and that their rights and freedoms are respected and protected.
Cultural sensitivity: Religious representatives can provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious traditions of Ghana, helping to ensure that policies and initiatives are sensitive to the needs and values of the diverse religious communities in the country.
Overall, having religious representatives on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs board in Ghana can help to promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect for religious freedom and pluralism in the country.
It is for these reasons that the 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, former President John Mahama has promised to ensure that a representative from the Muslim Umma is placed on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs board if elected the next president of Ghana.
This would be part of his commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all religious groups are represented in decision-making processes. He believes that having a Muslim representative on the board will help to address the concerns and needs of the Muslim community in Ghana.
Additionally, Mahama has pledged to work towards promoting religious tolerance and understanding among different faiths in the country.
By: Anthony Obeng Afrane
