British High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Jonathan Benjamin
The British High Commission in collaboration with the National Peace Council, the Office of the National Chief Imam, the Christian community and the United Muslim Christian Forum bring to the general public an Inter Faith Dialogue dubbed “Towards a Peaceful 2016 and beyond”. The peace dialogue is slated for Wednesday 24th February 2016, with an expected number of 250 guests at the Radash Hotel in Tamale at 7: 30am.
The event will play host to various representatives from religious, traditional and community leaders Include: Political party representatives, The National Peace Council, The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Catholic Bishops’ Conference, National Chief Imam’s Office, and representatives of the University of Development Studies.
The dialogue seeks to sensitize grass-root adherents of different faiths about concepts, traditions, beliefs and values in different religions and to coalesce public opinion against religious fanaticism, extremism and terrorism. Also, this event will encourage peaceful interfaith co-existence before, during and after the 2016 general elections.
The programme which involves key stakeholders will be significant in providing an additional platform for continued dialogue in the promotion of peace and stability in particular as Ghana heads to the elections at the end of the year. It is also meant to celebrate and strengthen Ghana’s religious tolerance whilst providing the platform for continued community engagement to mitigate potential social unrest in the face of challenging times.
Long term objectives include developing a model based on the success of religious tolerance in Ghana, which can be further exported to countries in the region. Political party leaders will be further asked to pledge their commitment to support a violent free election process in November 2016 and beyond.
The National Interfaith Dialogue is intended to encourage religious groups to understand and respect the traditions and distinctiveness of each other, removing religious prejudices and stereotypes which create fear and suspicion as well as discrimination and exclusion among religious communities.
By: Desmond Frimpong
