By: Robert Ayanful
Traditional rulers, Islamic Scholars Christian leaders and politicians have condemned the increasing incidents of extremist activities in the world in recent times in the name of religion.
They mentioned Boko Haram in Nigeria, Islamic States [IS?s] in Syria, Al-Qaeda and other extremist groups that have continuously caused mayhem to millions of people all over the world, in the name of religion.
The concern was raised during the 32nd Annual National Conference [Rally] of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Organization of Ghana under the auspices of the Ameer & Missionary In-Charge of the Mission at Agona Swedru in the Central Region.
It was on theme: ?Religious Extremism; A Threat to Global Peace and Nation Building,? and was attended by over three hundred Elders of the Mission from all over the country.
Addressing the Conference, the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Mission-Ghana, Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih condemned extremism in no uncertain terms, describing it as dangerous and a threat to global peace and humanity.
He said the activities of these Islamic and other religious extremist groups have turned to tarnish the image of religion.
He said it is unacceptable for anybody or group of people to decide to hide behind religious belief cause mayhem to innocent people in the world.
He also condemned the formation of wing groups such as foot soldiers, serial callers and the light by political parties in the country, calling for them to be disbanded before they become homegrown extremists groups.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Agona Swedru and Adontenhen of the Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area Ogidigram Okrupi Nana Kobina Botwe II, the Gyaasehen of the Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Donkor VII also condemned the activities of extremist groups in no uncertain terms, and pledged the support of traditional rulers to help curb the menace.
He later commended the Ahmadiyya Mission for establishing educational and health institutions in the country to augment the effort of the government, and appealed to the Mission to establish a Nursing Training Institute in Agona Swedru in addition to the already existing Hospital of the Ahmadiyya Mission in the town.
Delivering their fraternal messages, the Member of Parliament for the Area Charles Obeng Inkoom, the Municipal Chief Imam Alhaji Idris Musat Sori and the Supt. Minister of the Agona Swedru Circuit of the Methodist Church Very Rev. Kennedy Ansah Eshun all condemned the recent increase of activities of extremist and terrorist groups in the world in no uncertain terms and called on the various religious organizations to preach against it.
