General News of Friday, 6 March 2015
Source: citifmonline.com
President John Mahama is confident that despite the seeming religious and ethnic intolerance seeping into the Ghanaian society, the nation has the “shock absorbers” to stand any shocks.
He expressed worry about the recent events between Muslims and the mission schools which some Ghanaians say could threaten the religious and ethnic peace the country has enjoyed for years.
The President was however optimistic that Ghana will come out strong and united, “Our society has the absorbers to withstand these shocks and that is why my heart was gladdened when I noticed the unanimity exhibited in the recent demonstration held in support of equal citizenship,” he remarked.
Over the past two weeks, the nation has been engulfed in heated a debate over the respect of religious and ethnic rights of every citizen following a demonstration staged by some Muslims in the Western Region to protest against the infringement on their rights by schools and other state institutions.
The President issued a directive ordering all heads of institutions to adhere to the constitutional provision which stipulates the respect of religious rights of all citizens.
The National Peace Council is however dealing with all stakeholders to amicably resolve the matters.
Addressing the 58th Independence parade at the Black Star Square in Accra, President Mahama observed that the personalities who partook in the “One Ghana” demonstration earlier this week is indicative that “on both sides of the political divide, we have resolved not to allow ourselves to be divided by ethic or regional sentiments.”
He argued that, “our diversity must be a source of strength, not a weakness. Our diversity should be harnessed for the realization of our national interest… Each and every one of us, in our ethnic and cultural diversity, contributes in a unique way to make our nation great and strong.”
The President also discounted claims that due to the many challenges the country is facing, it is unnecessary to celebrate the Independence Day.
According to him, the nation has every cause to celebrate 58 years of gaining independence because some successes have been achieved despite the odds.
He pointed out that 58 years in our history, “we have made mistakes and we have chalked many successes. We must celebrate and enhance our successes and recognize and minimize our failures.”
President Mahama added that every Ghanaian has in one way or the other contributed to the country’s collective history “and will be a critical factor in whether we will succeed or fail as a nation.”