Accra, November 27, 2023 — The 3rd Annual National Muslim Conference (NMC) concluded on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the Conference Hall of the National Mosque in Kanda, Accra. The conference, held under the theme "Promoting Religious Freedom and Rights in Ghana - The Role of the National Muslim Conference," witnessed three days of insightful discussions, impactful presentations, and collaborative initiatives.
Conference Highlights:
The conference commenced on Friday, November 24, with the formal opening ceremony. Notable dignitaries included the National Chief Imam, H.E Sheikh Alhaji Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, a representative of the Rt Hon. Speaker, and H.E. the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, represented by Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance.
Key Themes and Topics Discussed:
The conference addressed critical issues such as advancing legal rights, the role of Muslim MPs in the legislative process, building strong networks for community empowerment, and the empowerment of Muslim women. A significant highlight was the presentation of the NMC TVET Research Survey Report, outlining key steps for economic empowerment.
Achievements and Milestones:
- Successful Implementation of some Planned Activities.
- Launch and Strengthening of Impactful Initiatives.
- Recognition and collaborations, including the acceptance of suggestions by the Zakat & Sadaqa Trust Fund to establish offices in all regions in collaboration with the regional steering committees.
Challenges and Lessons Learned:
Identified challenges during conference planning and execution were transparently discussed. Key lessons for future conferences include early fundraising, enhanced publicity, mobilization for a larger opening ceremony, and finalizing communications a day before the last day.
Community Feedback and Engagement:
Gathering feedback from attendees and fostering community engagement were central to the conference's success. Assessments indicated a positive impact on the target audience, with community members expressing appreciation for the initiatives discussed.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
New partnerships were formed, and collaborative initiatives were discussed, including the need for regional conferences before the national annual conference. The Zakat & Sadaqa Trust Fund accepted the suggestion to work with all regional steering committees.
Financial Overview:
The financial overview revealed a transparent reporting system, comparing the budget against actual expenditures. Financial contributions and sponsorships were acknowledged, ensuring accountability.
Recommendations for Future Conferences:
Suggestions for future conferences include improvements in fundraising, publicity, and mobilization efforts. Additionally, it was proposed to initiate NMC management visits to support regional conferences before the annual conference. The theme for the next conference was proposed to focus on health.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude:
The NMC extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors, partners, contributors, attendees, and volunteers who played a crucial role in the success of the conference.
Conclusion:
In summary, the 2023 NMC Conference marked a significant milestone in promoting religious freedom and empowering communities. As the conference has concluded, the NMC looks forward to building on its achievements and addressing challenges for an even more impactful future. The commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of the Muslim community remains steadfast.