Accra: Tudec Development Centre and the National Peace Council have honoured the hard work of distinguished individuals of varied faiths and offices for their unwavering contribution towards peacebuilding and strengthening of interfaith coexistence. The individuals recognized include Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Right Reverend Abraham Nana Opare Kwaakye, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Madam Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and Sheikh Ali Napari, an Islamic Advocate and Chief Executive Officer of the Napari Company Limited. These honorees were celebrated at Tudec's 13th Dialogue and Peace Iftar Dinner held in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Dialogue and Peace Iftar Dinner is an event held during Ramadan, coinciding with the Christian season of Lent, where individuals of different faiths and traditionalists come together to foster dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence. Mr. Cafer Tepeli, President of Tudec, emphasized the significance of Ramadan as a time for sharing and compassion, aiming to sow seeds of positive change in society. Quoting Prophet Mohammed, Tepeli highlighted the importance of loving others as oneself, a sentiment echoed by the Biblical saying, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." He emphasized the need for respect and love in building a harmonized society.
Dr. George Amoh, the Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, underscored the event's role in demonstrating that people from diverse backgrounds can coexist despite religious differences. He stressed the importance of using this season to build tolerance and consensus, particularly in the aftermath of general elections. Dr. Amoh called on educational institutions to promote religious tolerance and self-control, emphasizing the shared destiny of the nation.
Major General Gyane, upon receiving his award, commended Tudec and the National Peace Council for their alignment in promoting values of love, peace, and harmony. He highlighted the ethical and moral imperatives of pursuing peace, stating that it involves fostering sympathy and building bridges. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouraged continued cooperation among peace-promoting organizations.
Right Reverend Kwaakye, through a speech delivered on his behalf, lauded the power of dialogue in maintaining long-term peace and fostering understanding. He noted Ghana's high peace ranking in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa as a testament to such dialogues and encouraged prayers for resolving tensions in conflict zones.
Madam Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of NCCE, called for unity and focus on commonalities in politics, religion, and culture. She emphasized Ghana's status as an island of peace amid turmoil, attributing it to events like the dialogue. Addy urged citizens to prioritize the project Ghana in all endeavors and dedicated her award to the hardworking staff of the NCCE.
