||MCRA Begins Regional Stakeholders Consultation on Proposed National Policy on Religion||

Director Finance & Administration, Mr Joseph K. Amoah( right) with the Bono East Regional Registrar at the Stakeholder Consultation for Zone 3
Dignitaries at Bono East Regional Consultation on the National Policy on Religion

The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has started a regional consultation to seek inputs from all stakeholders for a proposed National Policy on Religion. The consultation is being held concurrently across the country in Four Zones from Monday, 20th November 2023 to Monday, 27th November 2023.

Oti Region, Central Region, Bono East Region, and Upper East Region which has been scheduled for Monday 20th November 2023 saw participants joining in from the religious bodies, institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Traditional Authorities, and the Security Agencies among others.

In an opening remark, the Director for Finance and Administration at the Ministry for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Joseph Kwesi Amoah, who represented the Sector Minister, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, at Zone 3 in the Bono East Region, noted that, the purpose of the proposed National Policy of Religion was as a result of concerns from the citizenry to have a harmonious coexistence among all persons in the country irrespective of what they believe in.

According to him, in the formulation of policies it was important to engage with all stakeholders to develop a document that resonates with the people.

An Expert on Religion from the Department of the Study of Religions, University of Ghana, Dr Haruna Zaguon-Sayeed touched on the need for Ghana to have a Policy on Religion as there was none, adding that religious bodies are always consulted during conflict and crisis resolution, adding that this could contribute to job creation and development.

A Representative from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in charge of Programmes, Mr. Faisal Bawa, who represented the Country Director in Ghana, Dr. Wilfred Ochan urged the participants to consider the younger generation as they make inputs for the proposed National Policy on Religion so that they can help curb some social vices affecting the youth.

He emphasized on the need for the Policy, stating that religion plays a critical role in shaping the lives of every individual.

The Stakeholder Consultation is being held by the Ministry in partnership with the UNFPA.

Source: Public Affairs and Communication Unit, MCRA