Tudec Development Centre and the National Peace Council have honoured individuals of varied faiths and offices for their contributions to peacebuilding and interfaith coexistence.
The awardees included Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC); and Right Reverend Abraham Nana Opare Kwaakye, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
The others were Madam Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE); and Sheikh Ali Napari, an Islamic Advocate and CEO of Napari Company Limited.
The honours were presented during Tudec’s 13th Dialogue and Peace Iftar Dinner held in Accra.
The event, held during Ramadan, brought together individuals from different faiths to foster dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Cafer Tepeli, President of Tudec, said Ramadan was a time of sharing and compassion, and encouraging values that promote societal harmony.
Quoting Prophet Mohammed, he said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
He added, “Blessed are peace makers for they shall be called children of God,” urging respect and love among all.
Dr. George Amoh, Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, said the dialogue showcased how people of different faiths could coexist.
“We need to coexist if we want peace to be on our side,” he noted, and described the season as a time to renew love toward God and humanity.
Citing Ezra 8:21, Dr. Amoh said fasting encouraged humility and celebrated the unity of humanity.
He urged Ghanaians to build tolerance and consensus, especially after elections, and called on school managers to promote religious tolerance.
“We have a common destiny to protect, and we can do that when we embrace inclusiveness, respect each other’s opinion and beliefs and with that there is nothing that our country Ghana cannot surmount,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Gyane commended Tudec for aligning with the National Peace Council’s mission of promoting love, peace, and harmony.
He said peace required ethical and moral commitment, adding, “It calls to foster sympathy for each other and build bridges and not war.”
He encouraged cooperation among organizations and thanked Tudec for recognizing his efforts.
Right Reverend Kwaakye, in a speech delivered on his behalf, highlighted the importance of dialogue as a foundation of peace.
“When we talk and listen attentively to one another, we reflect the voice of God,” He noted.
Right Reverend Kwaakye said the dialogue significantly contributed to Ghana’s peace ranking in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
He called for prayers to resolve tensions in conflict zones.
On her part, Madam Addy encouraged unity and collaboration.
“Ghana remains an island of peace in a sea of turmoil, and we have been able to achieve that through events like this dialogue,” she noted.
Madam Addy urged citizens to focus on shared values and embrace peace irrespective of differences.
She dedicated her award to the hardworking staff of the NCCE, emphasizing the importance of solidarity.
GNA
