Mahama joins Bawumia in vehicle donations to Muslims at Annual Conference
Presidential candidates deliver gifts at separate occasions during three-day event
The presidential candidates of Ghana’s two main political parties have made significant donations to Muslim organisations at the fourth National Muslim Conference of Ghana’s (NMCG) annual gathering, highlighting the importance of the Muslim vote in the upcoming election.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) both attended the three-day conference on separate occasions, donating vehicles to the National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG) and the Zakat and Sadaqa Trust Fund, respectively.
The event ran from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October under the theme “Towards bridging the gaps in national healthcare delivery in Ghana; the role of the NMCG.” Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) attended the opening ceremony on Friday as the Special Guest of Honour, while John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) attended the closing ceremony on Sunday as the Special Guest of Honour.
As a Muslim himself, Dr Bawumia’s participation and donation of a vehicle and GHS 100,000 to the NMCG at the opening ceremony underscored his community ties and outreach efforts. He was the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion.
“I understand that the National Muslim Conference has been facing some challenges, such as funding transportation, office space, and so on,” Dr Bawumia said in his remarks.
“I know that a request has been made that I provide a vehicle to the conference, so I will provide a vehicle to assist their operations.”
He also encouraged Muslims to fulfil their Zakat obligations regularly to enable the NMCG to implement its programmes and projects.
For his part, John Mahama announced that he had procured a vehicle for the Zakat and Sadaqa Trust Fund in response to a request from the CEO, Alhaji Baba Adam. This gesture is intended to facilitate zakat collection and revenue mobilisation efforts for the development of Ghana’s Muslim community.
The NDC’s presidential candidate and the Special Guest of Honour for the closing ceremony on Sunday, also procured five motorbikes for distribution to some Muslim media organisations.
Marhaba FM, Baina TV, Hijrah TV, Hafiz TV, and Sharubutu TV benefitted from the five motorcycle donations, which come as part of efforts to enhance their operational capabilities in delivering media services to the Muslim community.
He made additional commitments, including towards the establishment of permanent Hajj transit camps in Accra and Tamale, supporting the inclusion of Imams and Chiefs on boards and corporations, and reviewing the legal framework for the recognition of Muslim marriages in Ghana.
The three-day conference brought together diverse Islamic sects and leaders from across the country. Since its establishment in 2021, the NMCG has evolved into a significant forum for Muslim leaders to contribute to national policy discussions and implement community initiatives.
