Youth Icons Ghana, a grouping that advocates peace in the country, has lauded the National Peace Council and National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu for promoting peace at Old Tafo, a suburb of Kumasi after days of bloody clashes in the area.
President of Youth Icons Ghana, Nana Yaw Osei-Darkwa, speaking to DAILY GUIDE recently, commended the swift manner in which the eminent citizens of Ghana, Chief Imam and Chairman of the Peace Council, Most Reverend Emmanuel Asante resolved the conflict between the Muslim youth and natives of Old Tafo over the fencing of a cemetery.
The skirmishes led to the untimely death of two individuals, with several properties damaged.
According to the Youth Icon boss, steps taken by the National Peace Council and the National Chief Imam in consultation with the Ashanti Regional Security Council and leaders of the feuding communities indicated that non-violent conflict resolution is a powerful medium to help resolve differences instead of reprisal attacks.
He said the effective collaboration of the two leaders, who are from different faiths- Christianity and Islam, showed how Christians and Muslims could work together for a common cause.
Mr. Osei-Darkwa stressed that “we have to learn great lessons from this singular act and the openness and warmth of the two leaders towards people of different faiths.”
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He underscored that “we can harness this as a great source of strength that should make us celebrate our diversity as a source of strength instead of it being a source of division.
“None of us determined which country, family or faith we were born into. What would have happened if we were born in say Saudi Arabia or Iran?
Nana Yaw Osei-Darkwa urged all Ghanaians to be each other’s keeper irrespective of their beliefs and political affiliations.
He disclosed that “why should we hold prejudices against ourselves because of our culture, traditions and religious beliefs.”
Nana Yaw Osei-Darkwa entreated Ghanaians to make the country the most diversified and religious tolerant nation in the world.
Government must invest and formally introduce alternatives to violence studies in the curricula at the Senior High School level.
BY Melvin Tarlue
