Leaders of the Muslim community in the Kpone- Katamanso Metropolitan area on Wednesday called on the editors of the state-owned newspapers, The Gha­naian Times and The Specta­tor, and called for stronger collaboration to deal with some of the societal issues that confront them.

The visit was to first of all introduce the Muslim clerics in the area and also ensure a fair representation of Mus­lims’ perspectives on national discourse.

Both parties discussed issues of content balance, communi­ty development, and partner­ship opportunities.

The delegation, led by the Metropolitan Imam, Alha­ji Saeed Abdulai, said the Muslim community in Kpone Katamanso alone estimated to be over 620,000, well-struc­tured and plays an active role in both civic and religious life.

He disclosed that the com­munity has been divided into 18 zones, each led by a zonal Imam, with the Municipal Imam serving as the head.

“We have a constitution, and we work closely with the assembly, central govern­ment, and traditional author­ities. Our presence is strong, and we want the media to re­flect that,” the Imam stated.

Alhaji Abdulai further stressed that the Muslim lead­ership in Kpone Katamanso operates in a democratic and accountable manner, mir­roring Ghana’s own political system.

He also stated that zonal Imams were eligible to rise to the position of municipal Imam, and the leadership regularly engages with gov­ernment, civil society, and traditional leaders to promote peace and development.

Recently, the Municipal Imam received a certificate of recognition from a local chief during a youth gathering, a testament to the cordial relationship between Muslims and traditional authorities in the area.

“Our community is disci­plined, organised, and pro­active. We believe the media should showcase these posi­tive stories instead of leaving gaps that are usually filled by stereotypes or misinforma­tion,” he added.

Quoting a verse from the Qur’an, one of the leaders reminded us that all humans were created from a single source and must, therefore, treat each other as brothers and sisters, irrespective of religion.

On her part, the Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa Maku Quaittoo, welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Muslim community.

She indicated that the papers remain committed to inclusiveness and community development.

The Editor of The Ghanaian Times Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rah­man, expressed concern about the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion, warning that many online platforms often spread misinformation about religion.

“Social media is full of half-truths. We prefer the credi­bility of the established press. If issues are reported by The Times or Spectator, they carry weight,” he said.

Practical partnership ideas were also discussed, including establishing newspaper stands in Muslim-dominated com­munities such as Ashaiman, Nima, and Madina, to create space for regular opinion piec­es by Muslim scholars. “If our readers in these communities know their voices are repre­sented in the pages of The Times or Spectator, it builds both trust and readership,” the editor added.

 Both sides agreed to continue the di­alogue and build a long-term partner­ship that would give voice to Muslims while also strengthening interfaith under­standing.

The Muslim leaders pledged to provide regular articles for publication, while the newspapers assured them of space to promote peace, inclusion, and national development.

They pledged to contribute accurate and insightful content on Muslim perspectives, festivals, and social development efforts, so that the wider Ghanaian public would gain a more balanced understanding of the faith.

The delegation included imams from various communities within the Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Assembly.

They included Mustapha Abdul Wahaab, Appolonia, Mohammed Rufai, Peaceland, Mohammed Aminu Masud, Washington and Sa-id Mukhtar Abubakar, New Zealand.

The rest Shafiu Jibril, Washington, Salih Usman, Chief, Washington, Salis Abuba­kar, Zenu and Soalihu Mohammed Awal, Kpone-Bawaleshie.  

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu