At a crucial meeting with Muslim Religious Leaders and Zongo Chiefs at the National Mosque Conference Room in Accra, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior called on the leaders to use their authority to support the security services to ensure peace and security in their communities.

According to him, Muslim Religious Leaders and Chiefs are well respected for shaping the moral fabric in the Zongo communities and there is the need for a collaborative approach to peace-building in the country for the safety of all.

On assumption of office, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has been engaging key stakeholders such as the Regional House of Chiefs, Christian Religious Leaders, Muslim Religious Leaders and Zongo Chiefs to foster partnership in improving social cohesion, addressing security concerns and promoting peace and security in the country.

The Minister expressed concern over security issues including vigilantism, land guard activities and chieftaincy issues in some parts of the country which have led to the imposition of curfews in those areas.

He urged the good people of Ghana to use appropriate means to resolve any challenges they may confront otherwise the peace of this country could be jeopardized and it will affect all.

The Minister urged them to identify community-based initiatives that promote peace and social cohesion, such as interfaith dialogue, community outreach programs and cultural events.

He also urged the development of a collaborative programme to address the root cause of conflict and establish open channels of communication between communities, the Ministry of the Interior and other stakeholders.

He also noted the need to identify community needs and develop targeted interventions that promote social and economic development.

On recent issues about drug abuse by some youth in the country which poses a significant threat to the nation’s well-being, undermining the very fabric of the society, the Minister condemned the act and called on the religious leaders and Zongo Chiefs to help the government by educating the public and promote peace and social cohesion to reverse the negative trend for the good of Ghana.

Muntaka Mubarak thanked them for honouring his invitation and encouraged them to build systems and mechanisms that would turn the Zongo Communities into more peaceful places of settlement.

The Ameer of Ahmadiya Mission Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih appealed to the Minister and other key stakeholders to help improve education in the Zongo Communities, as the lack of schools accounts for the challenges in those areas.

The Muslim Leaders and the Zongo Chiefs commended the Minister for the meeting. They prayed for him and wished him Allah’s guidance and protection.