TUDEC provides platform for the discussion of Religious Peace and Tolerance in Ghana

TUDEC Development Center – a non-governmental organization has held its 2^nd Annual Peace Dialogue and Conference in Accra with a call on the citizens of Ghana to cherish the peace they have in the country and guard it jealously.

It was on the theme “The Role of Religious Leaders in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity.”

The dialogue is one of the ways TUDEC uses to promote its vision of world peace and stimulate discussions among stakeholders.

The conference brought together leadership of the various religions in the country, politicians, business people, and the diplomatic corps, among others. Discussions were mainly centered on issues of peace and tolerance for one another, and how it relates or applies to their doctrines, as well as practical steps to apply it in everyday life.

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of diversity and equality and we should never forget that we all came together today not only as people of faith, but also as those who have taken on the mantle of responsibility of service to our nation and our fellow citizens,” stated Cafer Tepeli who is the President of TUDEC.

According to him, “TUDEC has taken the mantle upon itself to promote mutual understanding and respect by establishing dialogue conferences and dinners where people can meet and participate in cross-cultural activities.”

He urged the participants to proactively build bridges of peace through activities such as cross-cultural festivals, trips, shared celebrations and humanitarian efforts for people of different backgrounds to meet and have meaningful conversations, adding that “When people meet, they see each other as fellow human beings rather than labels, realize their common desires and concerns and become resistant to hate-mongering and paranoia.”

Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, in his remarks stated the commitment of the Muslim community to sustaining the peace in Ghana.

“As peaceful Muslims and law-abiding citizens under the watchful eyes of the National Chief Imam, we would not to do anything to disturb the peace of Ghana,” he stated.

A Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Kwame Lawson Adjei, who shared the experience and perspectives of the Christian Council of Ghana, remarked that “the role of religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence does not only signify the duties of religious leaders in the attainment of peace in our communities. It also indicates the trust reposed in religious leaders as agents of positive change in our societies. Ghanaians believe that religious leaders have the potential to initiate and sustain peace in our societies, and I must say that we cannot disappoint them.”

“In our quest to promote peace, the Christian Council of Ghana has for many years called for good governance, political stability, respect for human rights, the rule of law and the protection of the vulnerable in the society.  We have also embarked on humanitarian activities because we consider them as ways of promoting peace within our societies by reducing the poverty gap and giving hope to the hopeless in the society,” he stated.

He said religious leaders have a major role to play by creating platforms at all levels to facilitate engagement of the youth and other generational groups on issues such as education, health, and business, among others.

“The only way to mitigate extremism and promote healthy living among people of religious or cultural diversity is to embark on continues dialogue that seeks not to find fault or demean the other, but rather pursues the agenda of information sharing and knowledge acquisition. This will go a long way to lift us up as one people and help us to seek the welfare of our neighbours,” the Bishop Adjei further noted.

Running mate to former President John Mahama in the 2020 Presidential elections, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang who also graced the occasion commended TUDEC for the initiative of bringing the various religious sects together to discuss religious peace and tolerance. She was hopeful that the initiative would be sustained and supported so it can achieve its purpose.

Other speakers include Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso, Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose of the Christian Council of Ghana, Magdalene Kannae of the National Peace Council, Nuumo Blafo, and Sheikh Dr. Amin Bonsu of the Ghana Muslim Mission.

By Jeorge Wilson Kingson || ghananewsonline.com.gh