Gov’t Won't Rule Out National Shrine Proposal —Minister

Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi has disclosed that although it has received proposals from some traditional leaders to establish a national shrine, it believes Government will not rule that out.

According to the Minister, the Wulomei believe it will be fair if Government grants their requests.

Speaking at a Meet-the-Press Series in Accra, Hon Dzamesi said “It is true, I have been approached by some Wulomei in my office requesting for a National Shrine. We have a National Mosque, now the National Cathedral is about to be constructed. I think since our Constitution allows freedom of worship, we will study it and later come out with a plan.”

This follow calls from some traditional believers in the country who were calling for a national shrine after issues of the National Cathedral popped up.

Speaking on Chieftaincy Management, the sector Minister mentioned that a speedy disposition of cases before the respective judicial committees is most desirable, however due to some challenges partly legal and lack of funding; there are a small number of case pending.

He said the Ministry through the Ministry of Finance has increased the amount for dispute settlement to the judicial committees, even though the quantum is not as expected.

Hon Dzamesi noted that the Ministry in conjunction with the National House of Chiefs is embarking on legal initiatives, particularly regarding adjudication procedures, and adopting alternative dispute resolution, in the dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving Chieftaincy matters.

He mentioned that in the pursuit of the programme, the Ministry enabled stakeholders to engage with the National House of Chiefs.

On religion for development, the Minister highlighted that religion is important for spiritual and social well being as it plays important roles in national development.

“Religious bodies have made and continue to make enormous contribution as west rife a sanction to bring development to all and create opportunities for self-expression and development in freedom,” he stated.

On Inter-faith dialogues, he stressed that, “The Ministry would continue to pursue inter-faith dialogues in relation to facets of national development, the relevance of religious values to individual aspirations”

He added that understanding, appreciation and tolerance of other religions and faiths consolidate cohesion and peaceful co-existence.