Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia set a record at the National Chief Imam’s residence at New Fadama, Accra, during the celebration of Holy Prophet Mohammed’s birthday, known as Maulud Naibiyi, when he graced both sessions of the programme last Saturday evening.
It is a programme which is graced by a motley of personalities, among them politicians from the two sides of the political divide.
When Dr. Bawumia graced the programme last year he did so as a running mate to the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); but this year he did so as Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.
Politicians who grace the activity annually leave after the first segment of the two-pronged programme.
Dr. Bawumia, who wore two hats at the programme – that of President Nana Akufo-Addo and his – said, “I am not here only as a politician but as a Muslim who wishes to listen to the sermons associated with this important religious event so that I too would derive the spiritual benefits and would therefore stay throughout the programme,” touching the hearts of the hundreds of Muslims who were in attendance.
Another highlight of Dr. Bawumia’s presence was when he went traditional as he knelt down out of obeisance to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, as he (Bawumia) would have done his own father. In the typical traditional homes of West Africa, this is the conventional way of showing respect to elders and so when he did it he won the admiration of all.
He told his hosts and Muslims across Ghana that the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo would prioritise the issue of Zongo development – a commitment which would be further evidenced by its inclusion in the maiden budget of the new administration in March this year.
“The Zongo fund is a priority subject for the new administration, the initial funding for which would be catered for in the maiden budget of the government in March,” he disclosed.
The new deal for the Zongos throughout the country, according to the vice president, is intended to close the gap between them and the other areas in terms of facilities and development, among others.
The creation of the Ministry of Inner City and Zongo Development, he said, is a clear testimony of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s commitment in making good its promise of transforming the Zongo communities.
The teaching of Arabic and making it an examinable subject is something which is going to come to fruition, he assured as well as the payment of teachers of the subjects from JHS to SHS levels.
Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to his hosts and other Muslims who listened to his request for prayers towards the elections.
“Last year I pleaded with you to pray for us to win the elections. You did so and God has listened to the prayers. Today I once more ask you to pray to the Almighty God to support us to fulfill our promises to the people of this country, for without God nothing can be feasible,” he appealed.
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