THE COALITION for Islamic Humanitarian Organisations in Ghana (CIHOG) has intensified its advocacy for recognition by government. 

At its maiden meeting in Kumasi, the group’s administrator, Suleiman Alhassan Atakpo said the Coalition has been able to put into being a constitution to government its actions and activities.

He noted that interim executives to oversee the activities of the Coalition have also been elected, adding that it has zoned the nation into three namely southern, middle and southern belts so as to ensure effective and smooth running of the Coalition in the regions.

“Islamic humanitarian organisations have existed more than 60 years and their activities have been all over Ghana including the digging of boreholes,  construction of school blocks and the care for the needy and it is time that collectively we come together to ensure we get the needed recognition from government and we believe we are ready to move on”, Mr Atakpo stated.

Coordinator For Zongo Development:
Speaking at the event, Hon Ben Abdallah Banda, Presidential Coordinator for Zongo and Inner Cities Development and Chairman of the Hajj Board said the initiative by the Coalition was a laudable one.

He noted that the Coalition’s vision is in tandem with his outfit and pledged his full commitment and support for it.

Hon Abdallah therefore called for a partnership so that collectively they could push for the recognition and support from government to support their operations.

“Our outfits can collaborate to do more for the people of Ghana and since your vision is in tandem with mine I ask that we partner to get the needed support from government to help the needy and the underprivileged in society”, the Coordinator posited.

Acting Chairman:

Speaking to the media, the acting Chairman for the Coalition, Sheikh Hadir Adams Iddris commended the members for the commitment to the cause of CIHOG.

He asked them to work harder so as to gain every recognition they need to get support for their operations.

Resource Person:

Dr Shaibu Ali from the Islamic Research Institute said the Coalition could use its outfit to seek for alternative funding for their operations.

He also called for continuous advocacy to ensure there is an Islamic Bank in Ghana to facilitate loan acquisition and funding for Muslims who are engaged in charity and other development initiatives.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, 

Kumasi.