The mediation committee was formed by religious organisations in the two municipalities after noticing division among the traditional and political leadership in Kroboland on the matter and a lack of trust between the feuding parties – ECG and the Krobo residents.

Members of the Coalition of Religious Bodies mediation committee are Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, Agormanya Area Head of The Church of Pentecost (Chairman), Chairman of Dangme-Tongu Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Rev Abraham Okai Secretary) to the committee.

Other members are Rev. Dr Stephen Ohipeni Narh, Rev. Father Moses Huadji, Rev. Stephen Narteh, Rev Joshua Akanyork, and Alhaji Innusah (Chief Imam).

The terms of reference for the mediation committee are to, among other things, work as neutral arbiters, ensure compromises to facilitate resolution processes taking into consideration the interest of the nation and Kroboland, and ensure peace and tranquillity in the municipality.

At a prayer meeting attended by Church leaders in the two municipalities Sunday evening of August 28, 2022, at Zimmermann Presbyterian Church, the chairman of the mediation committee, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, briefed the church leaders on the work done so far by the committee constituted on August 7, 2022.

According to him, the committee has met all Ministers of the gospel in the two municipalities to unite the Pastorate front to support the committee.

They have also had engagements with traditional rulers, political leadership including Eastern Regional Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong, influential individuals, and various groups in the Krobo area and visited victims of the recent military brutality.

The mediation committee is expected to meet the management of ECG, military high Command, and possibly hold durbar in Nuaso and Kpongunor communities.

Rev. Abraham Okai, Secretary to the committee, appealed for the withdrawal of the armed military personnel to de-escalate the tension in the community to facilitate mediation.

The impasse between ECG and Krobo residents has existed for many years and led to deadly clashes.

In a renewed feud, ECG cut power supply to the Yilo and Manya Krobo area on July 27, 2022, after residents resisted prepaid meter installation and allegedly tampered with transformers.

However, power was restored on August 19, 2022, with the exclusion of Nuaso community.

The military invaded the community brutalised and shot some residents over alleged provocative attacks.

According to Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa, the Muslim communities are grateful for allowing them hold prayers at the Jubilee House over the deadly coronavirus.

His comments come after Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia hosted Muslim leaders on Friday at the Jubilee House for a prayer against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic following a similar prayer held by Christian leaders on Thursday.

ALSO READ:

• Islamic cleric who won award for Ebola medicine suggests another for prevention and cure of Coronavirus (Video)

• Coronavirus: What NDC thinks Ghana must do

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Alhaji Futa said it was prudent for the Muslim community to acknowledge God for a president who has brought about the convergence of their leaders under one roof.

“We don’t usually have such meetings that bring all the leaders of the Islamic sect together but today it happened. We have been able to embark on a knowledge and spiritual encounter through this prayer meeting which is commendable,” he said.

Explaining Muslims stand the risk of contracting the coronavirus due to ablution as part of their mode of prayers, he urged they should continue to abide by the precautionary directives to keep themselves alive in the face of the pandemic.

Dr Bawumia in his opening address ahead of the prayer session, which saw the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Shaributu, in attendance, expressed faith God will deliver the nation from the pandemic.

Quoting parts of the scriptures which he believes are in line with the basic precautionary measures from the health bodies, the Vice President urged Ghanaians to continue to adhere to the measures.

RELATED STORIES:

• Akufo-Addo holds prayer breakfast over coronavirus [watch]

• Duncan Williams’ prayer against the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana [watch]

This comes after President Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday led a group of prominent pastors in Ghana to hold a similar prayer meeting for the country.

Meanwhile, he reiterated the government’s commitment to curb the spread of the virus while commending religious leaders in Ghana for their cooperation in adhering to the ban on public gatherings.

“We are not alone in this unprecedented situation, many countries around the world have taken similar precautionary measures to help curb the spread of the virus,” he said.