Africa-Press – Ghana. Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, has called on religious leaders across the country to support government’s efforts in promoting social cohesion as a foundation for sustainable national development.
He emphasized the crucial role of religious leaders in fostering peace and stability and urged them to use their platforms to promote tolerance and harmonious coexistence amongst the country’s diverse communities.
Alhaji Mubarak made the call during separate engagements with Muslim and Christian leaders in Tamale.
He expressed the need for leaders to build on their diversity to further consolidate the progress made in maintaining peace and harmony in the country.
He expressed concern over the rising incidences of drug abuse amongst especially, the youth, and emphasized the need for the involvement of the clergy in addressing such a menace.
He urged religious leaders to use their platforms to preach hope, resilience, and positive values that discouraged drug misuse and abuse.
Alhaji Mubarak also called for their collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission to establish counseling and rehabilitation programmes that offered both spiritual and practical support for drug addicts.
He mentioned other pressing challenges militating against national peace, citing vigilantism, land and chieftaincy disputes, and emphasised the need for the clergy’s support in addressing them.
Reverend Father Dr Wilfred Agana, speaking on behalf of the Local Council of Churches in the region, commended the Minister for the initiative.
He noted that sustainable peace and stability depended on collaborative efforts among all key stakeholders, and expressed the Christian community’s commitment toward supporting the government’s peacebuilding agenda.
As part of his visit, the Minister also engaged traditional authorities, other key stakeholders, and security agencies in the region.
Sagnar-Naa Yakubu Abdulai, Paramount Chief of Sagnarigu Traditional Area, on his part, highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional authorities and the government, describing it as key to addressing violence and ethnic tensions in communities.
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