The Nandom Municipality in the Upper West Region has inaugurated its Christian–Muslim Dialogue Committee at a ceremony last Saturday in Nandom, to strengthen peaceful coexistence and promote interfaith collaboration between Christians and Muslims.
The event, organised under the Wa Diocesan Interreligious Dialogue Commission, forms part of efforts to extend interfaith structures to parishes across the Upper West Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Anthony Ziniel, commended both Christian and Muslim communities for their longstanding commitment to peace and unity.
He said the formation of the Committee reflected the collective desire of the people of Nandom to live harmoniously and respect religious diversity.
“Our country has earned the reputation of being a beacon of peace not because we all think alike, but because we have learned to tolerate and accept each other’s views towards unity of purpose,” he stated.
Mr Ziniel urged the Committee to uphold justice, equity, and fairness in mediating community issues, and called on residents to support its work to sustain peace in the Municipality.
He further highlighted development initiatives under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), which aims to prevent the spread of conflict from the Sahel, strengthen local institutions, and reduce vulnerability to climate change.
Projects in Nandom include a disability centre, an orthopaedic ward at St. Theresa’s Hospital, a CHPS compound at Gengenkpe, and a kindergarten block at Bukong; all aimed at fostering unity and social inclusion.
The Coordinator of the Wa Diocesan Interreligious Dialogue Commission, Rev. Fr Aloysius Nuolabong, said the initiative draws inspiration from the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Nostra Aetate, which encourages dialogue among people of different faiths.
He stressed that peace and development depend on continued understanding among Christians, Muslims, and Traditional Believers.
The Committee Chairman, Mr Maurice Yangnemenga, thanked the Commission and the Nandom Municipal Assembly for their support, pledging to strengthen interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The Dialogue Steering Committee comprises representatives from five faith groups:
Local Council of Churches: Rev. Samuel Berko (OverComers Church), Kwabena Mensah and Martin Saanaa Guri (Assemblies of God), Richard Festus Owusu (Church of Pentecost), and Kwakye Edna Nketiah (Christ Apostolic Church International).
Catholic Church: Rebecca Aa-enir, Maurice Yangnemenga, David Tee, Sixtus Kuubeizong, and Martin Yangnemenga.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission: Mauvi Seidu Abdul Rahim, Salifu Suboor, Bashirudeen Kayuumdeen, Dauda Nasir, and Alhaji Yusuf Ismael.
Ahli-Sunnah: Imam Abdul-Haq, Imam Mahmoud, Imam Yunus, Alhaji Adams, and Abdul-Karim.
Orthodox Muslims: Seidu Adams Billah, Abubakari Diramani, Alhaji Mahammed Sana, Imusah Muhammed Sana, and Mahamadu Abulai Sana.
Mr Ziniel officially commissioned the Nandom Christian–Muslim Dialogue Committee, urging residents to remain steadfast in promoting peace and unity as the foundation for development.
BY TIMES REPORTER
🔗 Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
🌍 Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
