09 – 08 – 2009 REJECT SUPERSTITION
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu has assured Ghanaians that Government will not relent in its efforts to help eradicate superstitious beliefs in the society. She said where the laws to punish people who abuse the rights of others have to be applied, the Government will do so unflinchingly. Government will as well partner with religious organizations and civil society to educate the public on the eradication of superstitious beliefs. Mrs. Iddrisu was addressing the 30th Annual National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association, Najna Imaillah in Kumasi. The two day programme was under the theme, “Eradication of Superstitious Beliefs – Prerequisite for Social and Spiritual Development”. Mrs. Iddrisu noted that the far reaching ramifications superstitious beliefs have on the society is a cause for alarm, as it endangers efforts to build a healthy society on the foundation of hard work, goodwill, honesty and morality. She said one area of superstition that permeates the fabric of the Ghanaian society is witchcraft, adding that the Gambaga witch camp remains a dent on the country’s image as a nation that respects women. Another area of superstition that is destroying the youth, Mrs. Iddrisu mentioned is the belief that a person can get rich quick through heinous spiritual process, referred to as Sakawa. She said the fact that the country is facing some employment challenges does not in any way justify murder and kidnapping for the purpose of rituals for riches or for any other purpose. Mrs. Iddrisu said the youth must appreciate the virtues of hard work and patience and warned that the law will deal drastically with anyone who is caught perpetrating any heinous crime against humanity. The Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Madam Anima Wilson called on Ghanaians to come together and help to eradicate any uncouth behavior and rather concentrate on acquiring modern technology and Allah’s blessings to solve problems. The National Vice President of Lajna Imaillah, Hajia Hanna Jabrael Saeed explained that the annual convention affords the Association the opportunity to make sober reflections on the roles and contributions of members as Muslim women to the economic development of the country.