Muslim leader welcomes CRC proposal to protect Zango residents from hometown discrimination
Chairman of the Muslim Peace and Reconciliation Committee in the Ashanti Region, Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan, has welcomed a proposal by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) aimed at addressing discrimination based on hometown or indigeneity.
The proposal, which is being considered by the government, could lead to legal protection for residents of Zango communities who face challenges linked to their inability to identify an ancestral or indigenous hometown.
Sheikh Ridwan said the proposed Comprehensive Human Rights Act could represent an important step towards addressing what he described as a long-standing injustice affecting some communities.
Call for equal treatment
According to Sheikh Ridwan, the central concern of affected communities is the need for equal treatment of all Ghanaian citizens, regardless of ancestry, hometown or ethnic background.
He said this should particularly apply when citizens seek access to public services and important national documents, including the Ghana Card and passport.
The Muslim leader expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama, Cabinet and members of the Constitution Review Committee for considering concerns submitted through memoranda during the constitutional review process.
However, he called for the proposal to be translated into enforceable legislation without unnecessary delays.
He also appealed to Parliament to give the eventual Bill prompt and favourable consideration to establish clear legal protection against discrimination based on hometown or indigeneity.
Zango communities expected to benefit
Sheikh Ridwan said the proposed legislation would particularly benefit Zango communities across Ghana, including Fulanis, Hausas, Mossis and other groups that have lived in the country for generations and contributed to its development.
He stressed that the communities were not seeking special privileges but equal rights and protection under Ghanaian law.
“Our demand has always been simple: equal citizenship, equal dignity and equal protection under Ghanaian law. We are not asking for privileges; we are asking for justice and equality,” Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan said.
The proposal is now expected to progress through the government’s consideration of the CRC’s recommendations, with Parliament potentially playing a key role if the proposed legislation is introduced.
