The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Office of the National Chief Imam have announced plans to establish a joint working committee to spearhead the implementation of recommendations aimed at addressing the growing problem of indiscipline in schools.
The announcement was made by the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, during his address at the 4th Annual Dialogue Meeting between the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Muslim leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu described this year’s dialogue theme, “Addressing the Challenges of Rising Indiscipline in Our Schools: The Role of Faith-Based Organizations,” as timely, citing widespread concerns over the increasing levels of indiscipline across various sectors of national life.
He noted that the situation has become especially alarming within the country’s educational system, where incidents of gross indiscipline and hooliganism have generated intense public concern.
“My dear brothers and sisters, the theme for this year’s dialogue could not have been chosen at a better time,” he said. “There is growing concern about the spirit of indiscipline plaguing us in all facets of our national life. Of even greater concern is the spectre of gross indiscipline and hooliganism in our educational space.”
According to him, the dialogue reflects the shared commitment of both religious bodies to finding practical and sustainable solutions to the challenge.
To ensure that the discussions translate into meaningful action, Sheikh Aremeyaw announced that a joint working committee would be constituted immediately after the meeting.
The committee, he explained, will be responsible for developing an action plan based on the recommendations of the dialogue, mobilising the necessary resources for implementation, overseeing the execution of the proposed interventions, and presenting a report on its achievements, challenges, and lessons learned at the next dialogue meeting, scheduled for 2027.
He stressed that both faith communities are determined to move beyond discussions by introducing concrete measures capable of promoting discipline, especially among young people.
Welcoming participants to the gathering, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu expressed appreciation to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Muslim leaders, and all stakeholders for honouring the invitation to the event.
He described the occasion as a significant milestone in Ghana’s interfaith relations.
He explained that the annual dialogue is the product of years of deliberate efforts to deepen cooperation between the Catholic Church and the Muslim community.
According to him, although both religious groups have enjoyed decades of cordial relations founded on mutual respect and solidarity, there was a need to institutionalise their engagement through a formal platform that would promote more purposeful and impactful collaboration.
He disclosed that the idea was first proposed in 2022 through consultations involving the then Secretary-General of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Office of the National Chief Imam.
Since its establishment, the annual dialogue has become a key platform through which both religious bodies take turns hosting discussions on issues affecting national development.
The current gathering marks the fourth edition of the dialogue.
Sheikh Aremeyaw outlined the principles underpinning the engagement, including mutual respect, consultation, goodwill, and non-interference in each other’s religious affairs.
He said the partnership is also guided by solidarity, cooperation, respect for diversity, recognition of shared values, tolerance of differences, and joint action on matters of national importance.
He explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen social cohesion, promote interfaith harmony, and foster peaceful coexistence across Ghana.
Among its broader objectives, he said, are providing a platform for resolving differences through dialogue, identifying shared moral values that can strengthen national unity, and collaborating with state institutions to combat violent extremism and terrorism.
Sheikh Aremeyaw noted that the formalisation of the annual dialogue received the full endorsement of both the National Chief Imam and the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, demonstrating their shared commitment to peacebuilding.
He observed that, at a time when the world continues to grapple with geopolitical tensions, religious intolerance, prejudice, hate, and communal conflicts, dialogue remains the most effective instrument for fostering sustainable peace.
He further stated that the collaboration between the two religious bodies is intended to promote “closeness of heart and openness of mind” across religious divides.
Quoting the preamble of the UNESCO Constitution, he reminded participants that, “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”
He said the statement reinforces the importance of dialogue in shaping attitudes, building trust, and nurturing peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
The annual dialogue has become one of Ghana’s foremost interfaith platforms, bringing together Christian and Muslim leaders to discuss national issues and promote unity, tolerance, and social development through collaborative action.
By 1960news.com
