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21.02.2015 General News

Muslims Stage Demo In Takoradi

By Daily Guide
The demonstrators on the streets of TakoradiThe demonstrators on the streets of Takoradi
21.02.2015 LISTEN

Hundreds of Muslims in the Western Region yesterday hit the streets of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis for a peaceful demonstration.

According to the demonstrators, the peaceful march was to create awareness of the alleged human rights violations against Muslims in Ghana.

The event dubbed, “March And Rally For Freedom”, was under the auspices of the Western Regional Chief Imam, Western Regional Imam of Ahlussunna Wal Jama and the Regional Council of Muslim Chiefs.

The protest march commenced at the Air Force Mosque in Takoradi at about 2pm after the Friday Jumah congregation service, and ended at the Regional Coordinating Council at Sekondi.

They held placards some of which read, “Hijab is our dignity,” “No compulsion in religion” and “Respect our rights.”

The Muslims later presented a petition to the Western Regional Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo, who was supposed to take it to President Mahama in Accra.

The demonstrators alleged that Muslim students were being coerced into attending compulsory church services in most of the second cycle institutions in the country.

“Some other schools are preventing Muslim students from observing their five daily prayers on campus,” they alleged.

Haj Saeed Hamid Jill, the convener of the event, noted that Muslim female students were being prevented from wearing their hijab (veils) on campus.

“Muslim professionals, such as nurses, bankers, those in the public and civil services, are also being prevented from observing their hijab,” he added.

Haj Saeed Hamid Jill stated, “This and other clear issues of human rights violations have necessitated the coming together of all Muslims to demonstrate.”

He mentioned that Muslims had vowed to ensure that their rights were respected by both individuals and institutions.

“We believe that after the authorities have gone through the petition the rights of Muslims in Ghana will be respected,” he observed.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi

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