2014 demands collective efforts for development - UMCF

The United Muslim Christian Forum (UMCF) on Thursday called for holistic non-partisanship approach to nation building in 2014..." Ghana needs all hands on deck for total development and transformation.� Alhaji Ahmed Nii Nortey, UMCF Executive Director, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the New Year called for closure of divisive, individualistic politics. He said the State must also wake up to its obligation to prevent violence against women and girls, provide comprehensive responses to survivors, and bring perpetrators to justice, �this should be the guiding principles for 2014.� UMCF which is an interfaith forum last year launched a new campaign to educate Muslims on the marriage acts, hoping to ensure that Muslim marriages are registered properly in Ghana. The new campaign, aimed to encourage Muslims to register their marriages to conform to the requirements of the Marriages Act (1984 � 1985) � the Mohammendans Ordinance (CAP 129). Alhaji Nortey, who is also the Public Relations Officer at the Office of the National Chief Imam appealed to all political parties especially the main protagonist � National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party to "stop the political dog fight," and work together in the interest of the nation. He said the two parties must stop politicising every national issue, adding: �the political paradigm must shift from undermining opponents for gains to supporting each other to improve the standard of our community. �Winning elections should not be based on the failure of the incumbent but on the basis that constituent or nation needs a new direction,� he stated. He called on the government to embrace all citizenry in the governance of the country in 2014; �irrespective of our political divide we can work together for the interest of generations yet unborn.� Alhaji Nortey also appealed to the media to provide voice for the voiceless, focus on nation-building news stories and project the positive image of the country. �Involve other sectors that are not traditionally included in a multi-sectoral approach but have a critical role to play in nation-building,� he said. The UMCF Executive Director also used the occasion to commend civil society organisations, state agencies, media, security agencies, and the private sector for their respective roles in 2013.