The Concerned Muslims of Takoradi under the umbrella of Al-Mu’eed Development Foundation have welcomed the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) manifesto proposal to facilitate the establishment of morgues in accordance with Islamic customs.
Communication Director of the group, Mohammed Kamil Balla, while addressing a press conference in Takoradi said the NDC’s proposal which is in line with an age-old Muslim tradition is based on a request from the leadership of the Muslims in the country.
“We note, in particular, the unwarranted propaganda and over-politicization of a well-intended policy for the Zongo communities and the false, misleading analysis and reportage on the NDC’s proposal to ‘facilitate the establishment of morgues in accordance with Islamic customs and practices and collaborate with the Ministry of Health to set up focal teams responsible for procedures that are compliant with Islamic customs and practices at all state morgues.’ This we believe is a needless attempt to discredit the NDC as a party and their flagbearer H.E John Dramani Mahama. The desire to have a separate morgue for the Muslims is an age-old priority for the Muslim Ummah in Ghana.”
“We wish to state that, the promise by the NDC to facilitate the establishment of morgues in accordance with Islamic customs and practices, and collaborate with the Ministry of Health to set up focal teams, responsible for procedures that are compliant with Islamic customs and practices at all state morgues for our Muslims and Zongo communities was a request from the Muslim leadership and concerned Muslim Organizations such as Al-Mu’eed Development Foundation, and many more through a consultative process,” he added.
He explained that the need to separate Muslim morgues is to provide a decent and dignifying last respect to the dead in accordance with Islamic teachings and practices.
To him, other equally important policy interventions in the Zongo areas and deprived urban settlements portion of the People’s Manifesto are the inputs of the Zongo communities which the group will continue to support, defend and ensure their implementation should NDC come to power on January 7, 2021.
The Concern Muslims of Takoradi while thanking the NDC and their flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama for listening and adding request to their manifesto also challenged those criticizing to stop and rather give their alternative plans.
“For far too long, Muslims in Ghana have left too much to chance; it is as though we are meant to accept whatever situation that comes our way. This has to stop and the time is now. We deserve better, we deserve to be heard, and we have been heard. We call on Political Parties and their cronies who oppose this all-important and sensitive matter of our faith, beliefs and customs to stop the needless propaganda and provide us with their proposed policy initiatives that are stronger than that of NDC, and capable of eradicating our problems if they have any. We also call on our Muslim brothers and sisters who are opposing this policy proposal to let the consideration of Islamic faith and Muslims be higher and above their selfish and political interest. After all, they are supposed to be there for us.”
“At this point, we wish to thank NDC Party and their flagbearer H.E John Dramani Mahama for listening and adding into the People’s Manifesto our dreams, our visions and our contributions. It is our prayer that the good people of Ghana will understand, believe and own the People’s Manifesto and vote the NDC Party into office come December 7, 2020”, he added.