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The Coalition of Muslim Organizations, Ghana (COMOG) has criticized the Member of Parliament for Madina, Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu, for sponsoring a Private Members Bill that proposes a two-day holiday for Muslims during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.
While the idea of additional holidays for Muslim celebrations is welcomed, COMOG questions Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu’s moral authority to lead such an initiative.
The Coalition cites Sosu’s recent statements in support of LGBTQI+ rights, a stance that conflicts with the position of the Muslim community in Ghana.
COMOG has expressed its disapproval and condemned Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu’s “dishonest effort,” stating that he has shown disrespect for Islam and its practitioners.
The coalition has cited instances where Sosu opposed legislative measures against LGBTQI+ practices and engaged in public demonstrations in support of LGBTQI+ rights.
The statement pointed out Sosu’s ugly clash with Sheikh Salman Mohammed Alhassan, the Chief Imam of Madina West Electoral Area, where Sosu referred to the Chief Imam as ignorant.
COMOG sees these instances as compromising Sosu’s credibility as an advocate for Muslim rights.
COMOG President Hajj Abdel-Manan Abdel-Rahman emphasized, “Someone who has already soiled his reputation as far as morality and religion are concerned cannot be the same person advocating Muslim Rights in Ghana.”
The coalition expressed concern that Sosu’s effort might be perceived as political manoeuvring ahead of the 2024 elections.
COMOG also pointed out that the Ministry for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is already championing the issue of additional holidays for the Muslim community through the National Policy on Religion.
The Coalition believes that Sosu’s involvement is unnecessary and risks being seen as a political ploy rather than a genuine concern for Muslim rights.
COMOG called on Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu to step back from the issue, asserting that matters related to Islam should be championed by those who uphold Islamic values. The coalition questioned the feasibility of the “Holiday Bill” passing in the current parliamentary session.
