The Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) in collaboration with the Christian Council of Ghana held a peace conference on the role of religious leaders in promoting peace before, during and after the country’s general elections slated for later this year.

The conference which took place on Wednesday 11th November, 2020, at the A.M.E Zion Church, Fante Newton, Kumasi, provided a platform that brought together religious leaders, youth, women, political actors, civil society members and faith based organisations to remind them of the critical roles that each play in making sure that the West African country remains peaceful even as they head into the polls to elect their leaders.

While officially opening the conference, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana Rev. Dr. Cyril G. K. Fayose challenged the religious leaders and other peace actors who were part of the participants to use their platforms to spread peace building messages in their congregations, local communities, neighbourhood, churches and mosques. Christians and Muslims, who form a majority of the country’s population, Rev. Dr. Fayose said, should be in the forefront championing for peace always, not only during elections.

The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Cyril G. K. Fayose giving the welcome address

In his presentation, PROCMURA’s Consultant Rev. Dr. Johnson Mbillah reminded the religious leaders to steer clear of religionizing politics and, at the same time, asked the political class not to politicize religion. To the electorate, Rev. Dr. Mbillah reminded them of their primary role of electing leaders not based on the religion that they subscribe to or the party that they are riding on but fully based on competence.

 PROCMURA's Consultant Rev. Dr. Johnson Mbillah speaking or giving his presentation at the Programme.

Dr. Margret Makfui, PROCMURA’s Area adviser for Ghana and also Regional Coordinator for the Anglophone region, emphasised on the important role that women can play in promoting peace both at family and community levels . She encouraged women to step up and be more proactive as society had recognised that in ‘Today’s World’ Women have become key agents of peace and play an important role in shaping successful communities around the world.

Dr. Makafui M. Tayviah, PROCMURA’s Area Adviser for Ghana and also Regional Coordinator for the Anglophone region 

Ghana, a country with a population of more than thirty million people according to the United Nations data, has uniquely stood out in the West African region as one of the countries that has had peace, peaceful elections and transitions. It has also had good inter-religious relationship between Christians and Muslims when a number of countries in the region continue to face all forms of conflict and religious intolerance.

The Chairman of the Media Committee, ASWAJ, in the Ashanti Region, Sheikh Mohammed Mustapha called on the media fraternity to be sober and nonpartisan in their reportage so as not to create anxiety in the country. He also called on the youth, who are the majority and unemployed to come out in their numbers and vote in leaders who are innovative and can bring economic and social development by addressing their needs. He implored the youth to take an active role in standing up for peace in whatever that they do.

Sheikh Mohammed Mustapha, Chairman of the Media Committee of the Ashanti Region branch of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'a (ASWAJ) giving his presentation as the second speaker

A representative of the ruling New Patriotic Party Mr. Kwesi Kyei assured participants of the government’s commitment to maintaining peace before, during and after elections.

The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Kwesi Kyei, giving a peace message

The one-day conference mainly drew participants from churches across the middle belt affiliated to the Christian Council of Ghana and the Muslim community in Tijaniyya, ASWAJ and Ahmadiya, all of who committed to direct their efforts towards having a peaceful country before, during and even after the elections. 

PROCMURA believes that Christians and Muslims must live according to the peace that they share in their greetings with one another “peace be unto you” and “Saalam Aleikum “.