Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called for a peaceful approach to the 2024 elections, emphasizing the sanctity of life and property.
He reminded Ghanaians that political differences should not lead to violence or destruction. He stressed, “No single life should be lost, property destroyed or relations ruined because of differences of political views.”
Dr. Bawumia underscored the belief that divine providence determines leadership, citing the Qur’an 3:26 to reinforce that ultimate authority rests with Allah.
He urged Ghanaians to respect this divine will and engage in the democratic process without resorting to chaos, as any such actions would be futile against the will of Allah.
The Vice President was delivering the keynote address at Parliament’s annual Ramadan Night of Power on Tuesday 2nd April 2024.
“The need for us to see ourselves as one people with a common destiny cannot be over-emphasized,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
He underscored the theme of this year’s Night of Power, ‘Peace, unity, and tolerance; the roadmap to prosperous Ghana,’ as not only fitting but also essential for the nation’s progress beyond the elections.
With the campaign season on the horizon, the Vice President appealed to all Ghanaians to act in ways that preserve the nation’s diversity and unity, setting the stage for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Turning to the Zakat and Sadaqah Trust Fund, established by the Muslim Caucus in Parliament to support the needy within Muslim and Zongo communities, Dr. Bawumia advocated for adopting digital platforms to facilitate contributions.
He noted the fund’s potential to amass over GH¢6 million with just GH¢1 monthly contributions from Muslims if the process were digitalized.
“I believe the impact will be great if a digital collection process is enhanced, and well-publicized through both traditional and social media.”
“There are many out there who are always willing to support the needy by contributing to funds such as the Zakat fund, but many are unaware of how they can contribute and also what the impact of their contribution will be.”
“I believe the impact will be great if a digital collection process is enhanced, and well-publicized through both traditional and social media,” Bawumia stated.
The Vice President also celebrated the government’s free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policies, crediting them with lifting a significant burden off the shoulders of families and MPs.
With approximately 5.7 million children benefitting from the free SHS policy, the Vice President noted an 80% increase in senior high school enrollment over seven years, with the most substantial rises observed in the northern regions.
He stated, “The northern region leads with over 95% enrollment, and the lowest in the northern regions is 89%, which is in the Savannah region. That’s the lowest enrollment, but that is higher than any of the southern regions.”
Dr. Bawumia urged MPs to promote these inclusive national education policies among their constituents, stressing education as a pivotal avenue for eradicating endemic poverty and underdevelopment.
“As representatives of the people, I want to urge all of you to encourage your respective constituents to take full advantage of free SHS and free TVET. It is their right because it is an inclusive national policy of education for all,” he stressed.