EID AL-FITR: PRESERVE THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF FASTING DURING RAMADAN AND CONTINUE TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE WITH PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS, FOSTERING A HARMONIOUS AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY – WESTERN REGIONAL MINISTER TO MUSLIMS

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson is urging the Muslim community to continue fostering peaceful coexistence with other religions. Speaking at the Sekondi Methodist Park, where he joined the Muslim community to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Minister Nelson commended them for maintaining a peaceful environment among their counterparts.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Sekondi Armah Blay Nyameke, announced that plans are underway to commission the Islamic clinic in Sekondi Zongo, a promise he made during his campaign.

Eid al-Fitr is a significant celebration in Islam, marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. Muslims around the world observe this day to express gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan and demonstrate generosity by giving to those in need. It’s a time for families and communities to come together, strengthen bonds, and celebrate with feasts, gifts, and festivities. The day is filled with joy, love, and a sense of accomplishment after a month of fasting and spiritual devotion.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson addressed the Muslim congregation at Sekondi Methodist Park, emphasizing the importance of preserving the spiritual benefits of fasting during Ramadan. He urged them to maintain a peaceful environment and continue to coexist harmoniously with people of other faiths. “May the blessings of Ramadan remain with us throughout the year. Let us hold sacred the lessons of fasting and continue to live in harmony with one another, regardless of our faiths. By doing so, we will build a more united and peaceful nation”. “My dear brothers and sisters, let us remain one and continue to coexist harmoniously with people of all faiths.” He said.

The Zongo chief who speaks on behalf of the chiefs reiterates that it is time the politicians seek the development of the youth

On his side the Member of Parliament for Sekondi Armah Blay Nyameke, announced that plans are underway to commission the Islamic clinic in Sekondi Zongo, as he promised during 2024 campaign. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for participating in the fasting period. We are aware of the challenges that come with fasting, but we also understand the significance and purpose behind it”. “We fast to strengthen our bond, promote peace, and ultimately, to protect and serve the best interests of our community here in Sekondi. Thank you again for your dedication and commitment.”

On enhancing the health infrastructure and quality healthcare in the constituency, the Member of Parliament emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare facilities to achieve universal health coverage. “I’m committed to improving the health infrastructure and quality healthcare in our constituency. As promised during my campaign, we’ve made significant progress in developing the Sekondi health center, which is nearing completion.” My plan is to equip the clinic with the necessary equipment and personnel to ensure its fully functional”.

“Additionally, we’re working on adding a maternity block to serve the women of Zongo, providing them with access to quality healthcare services. I’m hopeful that these projects will be completed by the end of this year, and I’m eager to see the positive impact they’ll have on our community”.

The western Regional Chief Imam Sheik Suleiman Ahmed Mozu said a world of prayers for the western regional minister and the country at large.

By Ebenezer Atiemo

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Western Regional Co-ordinating Council

Western Regional Co-ordinating Council

The Hon. Regional Minister is pro-business, believes in sustainable development and is a lead advocate for the oil and gas local content in the parliament of Ghana. He is an experienced politician and business development advocate.

The Hon. Regional Minister as a student of Mfantsipim School, he produced the first science magazine of the school in 1993.

He holds a BSc(Hons) Biochemistry degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology(Ghana) and a Master of Arts degree in Democracy,
Governance, Law and Development from the University of Cape Coast(Ghana). In
2014 he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree (DL Honoris Causa) by AIUCC,
Missouri USA.

Joining Parliament in 2009 till date he has served on many Parliamentary Committees and
delegations including Foreign Affairs, Roads and Transport, Education and Subsidiary
Legislation Committee that developed the current local content law, LI 2204. Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah became a member of the 2016 New Patriotic Party Manifesto Committee on Energy and a member of the 2017
Government Transition Team on Energy.

He founded the IT Company, e-Base Africa Ltd with his elder brother and became the Managing Director in 2001. His leadership introduced broadband internet in the Western Region and KNUST Kumasi.

For his commitment and pragmatic leadership ethics, he still serves on the Boards of
Raybow International Hotel, ORPED International, Western Regional Coastal
Foundation (an Oil & Gas not-for-profit), Citizen Advisory Council and Students in
Free Enterprise of Takoradi Technical University.

His vision is to make the Western Region a model one hinged on three main pillars of:
i. Entrepreneurial Governance System,
ii. Enterprising Western Region, and
iii. working to achieve the thematic areas of the Sustainable Development Goals mainstreaming and empowering the Youth
He recently received the award of the most outstanding business leader of the year – Public Sector at the prestigious Ghana Business Standard awards 2019 and the Pan African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Centre in partnership with Dynasty Group – Qatar presented by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar.

She was the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency from 2001 to 2016 for 4 terms. Whilst in Parliament, she became a Parliamentary Leader for 12 years as a Deputy Chief Majority and Minority Whips.

On issues of women empowerment, Mrs. Gifty Kusi has had a lot of training and experiences. She was the Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus in the Parliament of Ghana and the Convener of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians for Africa and the Africa Representative to the international Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians to conferences.

As a member of the Gender and Children Committee, she became the Ranking Member for the committee from 2012 to 2016.

She also attended the West African workshop on Women in Politics in Sierra Leone organized by Gender and Youth Division, Commonwealth Secretariat in London

Her training also took her to the United Nations Sessions of the Committee for the Status on Women (CSW) on three occasions at the New York Headquarters in New York, USA. She also attended the Committee On Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Conference in Geneva UN Office to defend the status of Ghanaian women.

She attended the session to defend the Child Rights of the Ghanaian Children in Geneva with the Minister of Gender and Children on two occasions.

She attended a 3-Month Internship Programme, at the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights and African Women Leadership course in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 1999.

She served on the Committee on the Drafting of Affirmation Action Bill presently before Cabinet and also attended the session on African Commission On Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights held at the Gambia

She also attended a workshop to Review Laws on Female Genital Mutilation and to Advocate for Law Reform and on Early Childhood care and Development sponsored by Ghana Association of Women’s Welfare and the Ministry of Gender and Children all in Accra

She is a women activist who has presented papers at various conferences on energy, mining and women issues. She also served for 12 years on the Health Committee as a Vice Chairperson and as a member. She attended many conferences on health and the World Health Assembly by the WHO in 2014.

Mr. Ataogye is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Administrators and Management Consultants Ghana (2018); a Chartered Professional Administrator (ChPA) and a Chartered Management Consultant (CMC).

He was appointed into the Ghana Civil Service (and later the Local Government Service) in May 1990 and has been responsible for the management of the Assemblies’ and the RCC’s Human, Material and Financial Resources; superintending their operations/management, planning co-ordination, resource mobilization as well as service delivery and project implementation.

 

Mr. Ataogye has a: “let’s fix it” attitude – a true problem solver. He demonstrates strategic and transformational leadership. He is an experienced Administrator / Co-ordinating Director of high repute and is very affable with effective communication and negotiation skills.

 

Mr. Ataogye, as a student of Nandom Secondary School (1980-1982) and Notre Dame Seminary Secondary School, Navrongo (1975-1980) held the post of House Prefect in both schools.

 

He holds a BSc(Hons) Administration (Management) from the University of Ghana, Legon and a Master of Governance and Leadership (MGL) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He also has to his credit, certificates from GIMPA for the Chief Executive Programme, Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration.

 

National Service Assignment

Mr. Michael B. Ataogye fulfilled his National Service obligations at the Navrongo Secondary School (1983/84), where he taught French and Economics and later in 1989 at the Asutifi South District assembly, Kenyasi in the Brong Ahafo Region.

 

Awards

In 2005, he was awarded the Best Senior Staff for Good Human Relations, Staff Motivation and Initiative; and for Leadership provided for the Landscaping and Beautification of the Asante Akim South District Assembly Grounds at Juaso.

 

He was commended by the Head of Civil Service for Good 2004 Annual Administrative Performance and Reporting (Asante Akim South District Assembly, Juaso).

 

He was also commended by the Civil Service Council for Excellent Performance in the Execution of the 1999 Performance Agreement of District Co-ordinating Directors (Aowin Suaman District Assembly, Enchi).

 

Additional Assignment

Mr. Ataogye served as a member of the Management/ Governing Board of Kumasi Rattray Park (June 2015-December 2016) and a member of the Governing Board of Prempeh College, Kumasi (Feb 2015-Feb 2019).

 

For his commitment, innovative and pragmatic leadership as well as ethical conduct, he served on the Boards of the following institutions;

 

He was the Chairman for the Social Committee on the Resettlement of Atuabo Community near Tarkwa (1996-1997) and Chairman for Ejura-Sekyedumase Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (Jan,2009-Nov,2019).

 

Training/Career Development Courses and Seminars attended

Among the several training courses, seminars and workshops attended are the following:

 

Thesis and Dissertations presented

Mr. Michael B. Ataogye researched and worked on the following topics;