Muslim leader Sheikh Abdul Malik Abdul Rahman Maiga wants Islamic lawmakers to push for better religious rights. The cleric spoke during Friday prayers at Kasoa about problems Muslims face at work and school. Many believers cannot pray daily or wear religious clothing because current laws do not protect them enough. He leads the IMAM Malik Foundation and sees the constitutional review as a chance for change. The imam believes Ghana's 1992 Constitution needs updates to help Muslim citizens.
Maiga told Muslim politicians and religious leaders to work together on specific proposals. He wants them to present clear ideas to the President and the committee reviewing the constitution. The cleric said Ghana treats all religions equally as a secular nation. He thinks Muslims deserve the same voice as other groups when leaders change important laws. Religious freedom should apply to everyone regardless of their faith background.
The imam also questioned official population numbers for Muslims across Ghana. He believes government census reports show fewer Muslims than actually live in the country. Maiga said Muslim families tend to be larger because men can marry up to four wives under Islamic law. Wrong population counts could hurt Muslims when the government decides how to spend money and make policies. He urged Muslim communities to consider conducting their private population study.
Maiga told Muslim politicians and religious leaders to work together on specific proposals. He wants them to present clear ideas to the President and the committee reviewing the constitution. The cleric said Ghana treats all religions equally as a secular nation. He thinks Muslims deserve the same voice as other groups when leaders change important laws. Religious freedom should apply to everyone regardless of their faith background.
The imam also questioned official population numbers for Muslims across Ghana. He believes government census reports show fewer Muslims than actually live in the country. Maiga said Muslim families tend to be larger because men can marry up to four wives under Islamic law. Wrong population counts could hurt Muslims when the government decides how to spend money and make policies. He urged Muslim communities to consider conducting their private population study.
