Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has assured Muslim leaders and Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi of his continued partnership and open-door policy to maintain peace and security in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking during a sensitization workshop on promoting peace, social cohesion and addressing security concerns, the Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration between Government and religious leaders.

 Muntaka Mubarak who is also the Member of Parliament for the Asawase constituency, acknowledged the growing threat of drug abuse in Ghana and urged Muslim leaders to partner with Government to tackle the root causes of drug abuse in the communities.

The Minister also highlighted the need to address vigilantism, land guard activities, chieftaincy disputes and other threats to national security.

He expressed confidence that united, they can rise above the challenges and promote peace and social cohesion in Kumasi and beyond.

The meeting was attended by various sects in the region including The Ghana Muslim Mission, Zongo Traditional Council Palace, Ahli Sunnah, Council of Zongo Chiefs, Council of Ulama.

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has called for strengthening of security in the country through collaboration. 

He highlighted the crucial role of collaboration between the government and religious leaders in promoting peace, social cohesion and security across Ghana.

In an engagement with the Christian Religious Leaders in Kumasi, Muntaka Mubarak acknowledged that maintenance of Peace and security in the country is a collective responsibility hence the need for engagement with key stakeholders to share ideas to promote peace and security.

‘Your influence in fostering peace and unity is invaluable. I urge you to continue preaching messages of love, forgiveness and hope from your pulpits. Together, we can create a Kumasi and indeed a Ghana that is safer, healthier and more secure for all,’ he stated.

The Minister acknowledged the growing concern of drug abuse in the country, which threatens communities and endangers youth. He urged Christian leaders to continue preaching messages of love, forgiveness, and hope, while also supporting initiatives that offer treatment and rehabilitation to those in need.

He sought partnership in bolstering the Ghana Prisons Service and Ghana National Fire Service to enable them address challenges like overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.

Muntaka Mubarak commended Christian bodies for their support, particularly the Church of Pentecost, which has built modern facilities to equip inmates with trades like farming and tailoring.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with Christian leaders, ensuring an open-door policy to foster peace and understanding.

This partnership aims to promote social cohesion and security, recognizing the vital role religious leaders play in maintaining harmony within communities.

The meeting was attended by the Ashanti Region representatives of the Christian Council, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Catholic Archdiocese and the National Association of Christian and Charismatic Churches amongst others.