The Upper West Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Osman Mahama Kanihi, has called on the authorities of Christian schools to allow Muslim students to practice their faith freely and participate in Islamic religious activities within school premises.
He made the call while addressing Muslims during prayers to mark Eid-ul-Fitr at the close of this year’s Ramadan.
Speaking on the need for religious tolerance in educational institutions, the Chief Imam emphasized that Muslim students should be permitted to form separate groups under the supervision of the Ghana Muslim Students Association (GMSA) patrons.
This arrangement, he said, would provide a structured environment for Islamic worship similar to the framework set for Christian services in schools.
He stressed that students should not be compelled to attend mandatory Christian church services on Sundays or any other day designated for Christian devotion.
“Allowing Muslim students to exercise their religious rights freely will showcase an outward display of true interfaith dialogue and mutual respect in schools,” he noted.
The Chief Imam’s appeal comes amid growing calls for inclusivity and religious tolerance in educational institutions, particularly in areas where students of different faiths coexist.
Reading a speech on behalf of the Catholic Bishop, Father Alocios Nuolabong called on religious communities to work together to promote peace, development, and social justice in an increasingly interconnected world.
He urged Muslims and other faith groups to leverage their religious teachings and resources to foster dialogue, understanding, and joint action in addressing societal challenges, particularly in the context of globalisation and rising global insecurity.
Addressing the congregation, the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, clarified that the Wa–Han–Tumu–Navrongo road project is being constructed as a bitumen road, not asphalt, urging the public to disregard misleading comparisons circulating on social media.
The Minister noted that much of the public confusion stems from people mistakenly comparing the Wa–Han–Tumu–Navrongo road to the Wenchi–Bole–Sawla–Wa stretch, which he explained is being constructed with asphalt and not bitumen.
“So when you see pictures on social media, do not compare. It is only fair to find out the nature of the contract,” he cautioned.
According to him, the project forms part of the government’s flagship Big Push Roads initiative, which has officially commenced in the Upper West Region and is progressing steadily. He described it as a significant step toward improving connectivity, easing transportation, and unlocking economic potential across communities.
“I am glad to announce that the Big Push Roads Project, for which His Excellency the President cut sod in the region last year, has officially commenced and is progressing steadily,” he stated.
