The Chief Imam of Mamponteng, Alhaj Imam Ali Daud, has called for stronger collaboration between Christians and Muslims, urging religious communities to promote peace, justice, mutual respect and the common good as the Catholic Church in Ghana prepares to mark its 150th anniversary.
The address was presented on behalf of the Chief Imam by Ali Yussif Ustaz, his representative, at the 26th Plenary Annual Assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference held under the theme “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for her 150th Anniversary.”
In the address, Alhaj Imam Ali Daud described the forthcoming 150th anniversary as more than a celebration of years, saying it provides an opportunity for the Catholic Church to look back with gratitude, examine the present with honesty and look towards the future with renewed commitment.
He said the three key words in the theme—communion, participation and mission—offer a powerful vision not only for the Catholic Church but also for the wider religious community and Ghana as a nation. According to him, communion should remind Christians and Muslims of their shared humanity and collective responsibility to promote peace, justice and compassion despite differences in their religious beliefs.
Alhaj Imam Ali Daud stressed the importance of interreligious dialogue and mutual respect, noting that religious differences should not become sources of suspicion or division. He encouraged Christians and Muslims to build stronger relationships and work together towards peaceful coexistence and national development.
On participation, the Chief Imam said a Church becomes stronger when its members are active participants in its life and mission. He called for the voices of young people, women, the poor and vulnerable to be heard, emphasising that every person deserves dignity and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
He extended the call for participation to Ghana’s national life, saying the country needs the contribution of all its citizens. He urged young people to take responsibility, women to be empowered to contribute their wisdom and leadership, and society to ensure that vulnerable people are not forgotten.
Addressing the Church’s missionary responsibility, Alhaj Imam Ali Daud said faith must be demonstrated through service, integrity and love, and should be visible not only in places of worship but also in homes, schools, hospitals, marketplaces and public institutions. He encouraged the Catholic Church to renew its commitment to education, healthcare, care for the poor, youth development, environmental responsibility and the promotion of peace.
He also called on religious leaders to speak courageously against corruption, injustice, violence and the misuse of power, stressing that genuine faith must shape conduct and inspire people to serve others. He said Christians and Muslims could work together around shared values, including protecting human dignity, caring for the needy, promoting peaceful coexistence and building a society where every person can flourish.
As the Catholic Church prepares for its historic 150th anniversary, Alhaj Imam Ali Daud urged the Church to measure the success of the milestone not only by the splendour of its celebrations but by the lives transformed through its work. He expressed hope that the anniversary would lead to stronger Catholic communities, deeper interreligious friendships, greater opportunities for young people and renewed service to the people of Ghana.
He concluded by praying for wisdom, generosity and courage for the Catholic Church and for peace, unity and prosperity in Ghana, while calling on all religious communities to work together for the common good.
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