Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam, has urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to expedite procedures to find an amicable solution to the schism between the Muslim community and the administration of the Wesley Girls’ High School.
According to the Chief Imam, putting the issue to a close would help defuse tensions.
Wesley Girls’ High School administration has come under criticism for not encouraging Muslim students to fast during Ramadan.
The National Chief Imam, speaking through his spokesman, Sheikh Arimiyaw Shaibu, at this year’s Eid ul-Fitr celebration on Thursday, May 13, 2021, said his organization is ready to cooperate in the matter.
According to him, the National Chief Imam’s first option in matters of national interest is always reconciliation.
“Peace is still our first option, and we would participate in every initiative and action taken by all parties and state authorities to put an end to the misunderstanding.”
Meanwhile, President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged all parties involved in the misunderstanding to remain calm.
According to the president, educational establishments can not be used to resolve religious disputes.
Schools, he believes, are the first place where young people socialize and learn about each other’s religious beliefs, dance, languages, and food.
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“We should be proud that our national Constitution simply reinforces these characteristics, and it should therefore be simple for us to follow these basic and foundational tenets that bind us together. In our country, boarding schools have historically acted as testing grounds for learning about one another, empathy, and overcoming fear of the unknown. That is where young Ghanaians learn to eat each other’s food, where they learn songs and dances from all across the country, where they learn about each other’s religion, and where lifelong friendships are formed.”
“Over the years, the schools have mostly succeeded in creating a reasonable, balanced environment in which our children will thrive, and this has served us well. Schools have evolved and adapted their practices to meet the needs of the times, and I must urge that we should not use them to wage moral battles.”
President Akufo-Addo made the announcement on Thursday, May 13, 2021, while speaking at the Eid ul-Fitr celebration.
SOURCE: ATLFMONLINE
