In a continuous expression of the appreciation of the grand benefits of an environment where inclusivity and diversity, an unhinged sense of belonging and solidarity among community members of different faiths and backgrounds, festers without any let, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has made a significant donation to the Muslim community in the Central Region.
Her demonstration of love for people in diverse communities and with different religious persuasions has become an important feature on her calendar each year and this year is no exception, particularly as Muslims the world over observe Ramadan.
Ramadan holds immense cultural and religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charitable giving, with emphasis on the importance of empathy and solidarity with the less fortunate.
And the significance of “Surah Baqarah Ayah 184 and Surah two, verse thirty-three” perhaps, is not lost on her, teachings that spur her on to make giving her annual and unmissed ritual.
“Fasting does not only bring individual but national blessings and benefits as prayers are said for the peace, safety and progress of the country,” the former Education Minister said.
She called on the Chief Imam of the Central Region and other chiefs to strengthen bonds within their jurisdictions by cultivating environments of mutual respect, compassion, empathy, interfaith solidarity, understanding, and support, where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and supported.
She donated 12 bags of maize and beans, 100 bags of sugar, 14 boxes of tea, 100 cartons of milk, 50 boxes of bottled water, 100 bags of sachet water, baskets of oranges, pineapples and watermelons.
The items were received by a representative of the Central Region Chief Imam, who expressed gratitude for her continued gesture, which, he said, is of immense importance to the Muslim community.
The Regional Chief Iman thanked John Mahama’s running mate and her entourage for the donation and continuous support to the Muslim community and prayed for her.
Earlier, Professor Opoku-Agyemang paid a courtesy call on the Oguaa Manhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta XI at his Eminstimadze palace.
As she is in the Central Region and in keeping faith with customs, she decided to inform the Omanhen of her presence while using the opportunity to also enquire about his health and well-being.
On a later date, Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang will formally inform and introduce to the Omanhen, her party’s decision to renominate her as its Vice Presidential Candidate for the upcoming general elections.
Omanhen Osabarima Kwesi Atta XI applauded Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang for the reverence she and her team had shown his stool, elders of the traditional area and the paramountcy in general, stressing that “personally coming here to announce your presence, only demonstrates a good understanding and respect of the culture of our people”.
The Paramount Chief wished her well in her renewed role and expressed hope that there would be subsequent fruitful engagements.
The running mate later visited the Muslim community at the Kotokuraba Central Mosque to donate assorted items to them as they mark Ramadan.
She later made a brief stop at the Kotokuraba Market to interact with the market women and customers.
She was accompanied by the Regional NDC Chairman Professor Richard Asiedu and other regional executives, NEC member Ransford Vanni-Amoah, Cape Coast South MP George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan and Constituency and Branch Executives from Cape Coast North and South, KEEA and AAK, on her rounds.