Ghanian Muslims have erupted into frenzy jubilation as the new President, John Dramani Mahama begins the process of fulfilling his campaign promises to them, including drastic reduction in Hajj fares, introduction of Islamic Banking, scholarships for Muslims to study medicine, law, ICT and others.
The President, who was addressing Muslims, days after he was sworn-in, in a video clip that is trending on social media, said that he had already commenced the process towards”drastically” reducing Hajj fare.
Mahama said that he had set a five-member Hajj Task Force, led by Honourable Collins Dabra, adding that members of the Task Force are expected to be in Saudi Arabia tomorrow, January 13, to participate in the Hajj Conference.
“One of the tasks I have given to the Task Force is to make arrangement to bring down Hajj fares as low as possible, so that many Muslims can perform Hajj.”
President Mahama said that he has also set the machinery in motion to elongate Ed-el-Fitr holiday by additional one day for Muslims.
The President said that the process is also ongoing to allow citizens to freely practice whatever religion they chose without restriction.
“We promise to uphold the constitution that Ghanians are free to belong to any religion and to profess their religions unfettered. And on the basis of that, we will protect the right of women to wear their hijjabs (veils) anywhere in the country.”
President Mahama said that he would also fulfil his promise to give scholarships to students in the Muslim communities to study medicine to get more Muslim doctors in the country.
He said that scholarships would also be given for Muslims wanting to study law and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The Ghanian President announced that his government will train and recruit more Arabic teachers in the country’s Islamic schools, in addition to establishing what he called “Soyaiya Fund” (a micro credit scheme) that will support Muslim communities.
He said that his government will work with the country’s Central Bank towards establishing Islamic Banking Instruments.
“We will soon be discussing with the Ghana Central Bank on how to establish the Islamic Banking Instruments in the country’s banking and financial systems.”
President Mahama, who said that he would move fast to fulfill other campaign promises he made to Muslims in the country, asked leaders at all levels to see their positions as trust from God.
He stressed that leadership carries a lot of responsibilities that should be executed with fear of God.
Mahama went on to quote chapter 3, verse 159 of Suratu Al-Imran in the Holy Qur’an to justify his position.
He read the chapter thus: “And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you (Muhammad) been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask Allah’s forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.”
