By Zubair Khan

” it does not matter where you come from. As long you are in Ghana we consider you as Ghanaian, we will treat you as Ghanaian and we are proud of it”  These were the few strange and astonishing words, which on 18th of January 2012, during a course of transaction in the city of Accra, a very simple shopkeeper uttered to me when I told him that originally I belong to Pakistan.  One could very explicitly see the glitter of pride of being Ghanaian in the eyes of that simple looking shopkeeper. Later for many hours I kept on pondering about the reasons which planted such a strong flourishing tree of national pride in the hearts and minds of people of Ghana. After having observed certain aspects with own eyes and having discussed with certain Ghanaian followings came to be the pivotal points which seems to have led the Ghanaian to be the model nation of West Africa in field of religious harmony and peace. Before deliberating the points leading to religious harmony and peace it appears to be pertinent to have a break down of various religious groups present in Ghana. According to the available information,the religious composition of Ghana in the first postindependence population census of 1960 was 30 percent Muslim, 38 percent traditionalist, 24 percent Christian, and the rest (about 8 percent) other. A breakdown of the 1960 population according to Christian sects showed that 25 percent were Protestant ; 13 percent, Roman Catholic; 2 percent, Protestant (Pentecostal); and 1 percent, Independent African Churches. The 1970 population census did not present figures on the religious composition of the nation. Now few points which to my understanding led the Ghanaians to achieve the religious harmony and peace.

Correct interpretation and implementation of Islamic Teachings by all Muslims of Ghana.

Religious tolerance in Ghana is very high. In the past, the major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter were recognized as national holidays. The vacation periods used to be planned around these occasions, thus permitting both Christians and others living away from home to visit friends and family in the rural areas. Ghana has a population of approximately 20 millions plus. 30% of Ghanaian population is considered to be Muslims. In the north, Islam predominates. The spread of Islam into West Africa, beginning with ancient Ghana in the ninth century, was mainly the result of the commercial activities of North African Muslims. The empires of both Mali and Songhai that followed ancient Ghana in the Western Sudan adopted the religion. Islam made its entry into the northern territories of modern Ghana around the fifteenth century. Mande or Wangara traders and clerics carried the religion into the area. The northeastern sector of the country was also influenced by Muslims who escaped the Hausa jihads of northern Nigeria in the early nineteenth century.Most Ghanaian Muslims are Sunni, following the Maliki version of Islamic law. Sufism, involving the organization of mystical brotherhoods (tariq) for the purification and spread of Islam, is not widespread in Ghana. The Tijaniyah and the Qadiriyah brotherhoods, however, are represented. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a group originating in eighteenth-nineteenth-century is considered to be most fast growing group in Ghana.

Despite the spread of Islam in the Middle East, North Africa, and even in Nigeria since the mid-1970s, Ghanaian Muslims and Christians have had excellent relations. Guided by the authority of the Muslim Representative Council, religious, social, and economic matters affecting Muslims have often been redressed through negotiations. The Muslim Council has also been responsible for arranging pilgrimages to Mecca for believers who can afford the journey. Until few years back, like many other countries, Ghana Muslim Community was also divided on many aspects including the sighting of moon for Ramadan, Idul Fitr and Idul Adhia. People belonging to different factions were following Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, North Africa, UAE and Somalia to observe these Islamic festivals.  Resultant, there were different dates for all these Islamic fests. Christian Community also used to admonish Muslims for not uniting on one day for Islamic fests.  Realising the need of the hour Dr Abdul Wahab Adam, Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission (AMM) took the initiative and talked to various heads representing different factions of Islam.  On his very honest and fair request, setting aside the internal differences, all agreed to sit together in Muslim Representative Council.  After lengthy deliberations on teachings of Quran, Hadith and Fiqah pertaining to these fests, all agreed to one point that from today onwards each Ghanaian Muslim will consider himself/herself as Ghanaian and will follow the true interpretation of Quran, Hadith and Fiqah about these fests as applicable in Ghana.. With mutual consultations Ghana Moon Sighting Committee was established.  Memorandum of understanding as agreed in the meeting was prepared and submitted to the Government. Surprisingly parliament of Ghana was so much delighted that they announced the Idul Fitr and Idul Adhia as public holidays for the whole nation. And now whole nation enjoys these Muslim fests holidays also along with Christian national holidays. The achievement of the religious council of Ghana got too much publicity through out the country and not only Muslims rather all the Ghanaian felt too much proud of the understanding and tolerance for each other religious beliefs and feelings. Now all the Muslims of Ghana celebrate Idul Fitr, Idul Adhia and start of Ramadan as per the announcements of Moon sighting committee. Couple of years back even renowned Christian Politicians quoted the example by hailing the attitude and behaviour of Muslims and advised the political parties to resolve their issues with the spirit of understanding shown by different factions of Muslims of Ghana. Obviously such an achievement in today’s turmoiled world can make any Ghanaian proud of belonging to that great country.

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Dr. Moulvi Abdul Wahab Adam, Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana

Establishment of Ghana Peace Council

Having experienced the remarkable outcome of Muslim Religious Council the Government of Ghana consented the Establishment of Ghana Peace Council with the aim to raise awareness surrounding the use of non-violent strategies in response to conflict through networking, coordination and campaigning. Currently the National Peace Council consists of 11 members, representing various religious, social or political groups.  Currently it has following members. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Cardinal of the Catholic Church),Sheik Nuhu Shaributu (Chief Imam of Ghana), Dr Moulvi Abdul Wahab Adam (Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, and former member of the National Reconciliation Commission), Bishop Francis Lodonu, (Catholic Church),Mr. Kwabena Kesse (Youth Representative),Pastor Mensah Otabil (Renowned Evangelist), Opanin Dr. Kofi Agyekum (Linguistics department, University of Ghana, Legon),Mr. Edward Mahami (Legal Practitioner),Ms. Angela Baiden (Renowned former Trade Unionist), Nana Ekumfi Ameyaw (Omanhene of Techiman, representing the Traditional Institution), Professor Irene Odotei (Director, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, renowned historian)
Surprisingly once again head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission (AMM) Dr Abdul Wahab Adam was again given the lead role for its establishment and activities. Chief Imams of ohter Muslim group work with head of AMM so closely that no one can ever find a iota of split between them inspite of differences in beliefs.  Same is the case with Christian religious leaders.  All show tremendous respect to Dr Wahab Adam Head of AAM just because of his contributions in bringing the religious Harmony and peace to the society of Ghana. How fair and honest head of AMM is can be judged from the following fact. During previous elections, election result ties between most famous rival political parties came neck to neck. Many methods failed to resolve the issue. Election Commission referred the matter to Peace Council as it enjoyed very high regard and respect in the country. Peace Council deliberated the matter in detail. Only one vote of the council member was required to declare one political party as successful. Incidentally Dr Wahab Adams political affiliations and sympathies were also with the same political parties. However during deliberations it revealed that rival party deserves more the vote for success. At this moment siding with justice and fairness he voted in the favour of rival political party. So if Ghananian leaders of National Stature show so much fairness and honesty for national cause then each Ghanaian has a right to be proud of being Ghanaian.

Above are just two points but these are pivotal ones. Religious freedom and tolerance for each other is exemplary in whole of the country.  In its true sense no one is discriminated due to his or her religious beliefs. At many occasions the Chief Imam of Main Muslim Group refused to accept any invitation if Head of Ahmaddiyya Community was ignored and similar gesture shown by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Head. Government delegations visiting Mecca or other Muslim countries do include Ahmadiyya Community members also. In that country every one considers himself or herself first as Ghanaian and then comes the question of religion. Never ever any trouble has been reported in the country sparked due to religious beliefs.  One can very accurately claim that in today s world Ghana is a beacon of light not only for West Africa but for whole of the world.  Specially Pakistan can learn a lot and can follow the success story of Ghana as main problem in Pakistan revolves around the intolerance shown by religious clerics for the different religious beliefs of fellow countrymen.