Three Muslim leaders in the peace and literary space have praised the editors of Graphic Communications Group Limited (OCG) for exhibiting selflessness and patriotism in their work.
The three leaders, the Executive Director of the Islamic Peace and Security Council of Ghana (IPASEC), D Mohammed-salton Mas-oud, an Eminent Member of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council, Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Owman, and the Executive Secretary of the African Literary Club (ALIC), Shaibu Sulleyman, made the commendation in a statement to commemorate Eid-Ul-Adha.
The statement said, “Dear Editors of Graphic Newspapers, we write jointly to express our appreciation of the work you are doing for mother Ghana and to congratulate you for being selfless and patriotic to your country as we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha 2004, the festival of sacrifice and selfless leadership
In the discharge of your duties as editors of the nation’s premier and largest newspaper, you exhibit professionalism, commitment to your journalism ethics, and above all, your loyalty and commitment to the development of Ghana
The holy Quran states about the sacrifiors of Eid-Ul-Adha that “Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have we subjected them to you that you may glorify Allal for that (to) which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the deers of good
And Prophet Mohattimed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “How sweet of a land you are and how dear you are to me, and if it were not that my people expelled me from you, I would not have lived in other land than you.” Sunan al-Tirmi (3926).
The above Hadith is the closest and clearest that one could find about one’s love for his country. Although Muslims consider the City of Mecca as the Holiest City on earth, and therefore must not be compared to any country, it is still acceptable for one to love his or her country above any other.
Patriotism
Showing true love to our country means being patriotic, respecting the laws of the land, and choosing the country above any. The business of disseminating or sharing news locally or internationally is a privileged job that one must guard to the teeth as it calls for a huge responsibility of being truthful, honest, frank, selfless, and just.
It also attracts another responsibility of not lying or disseminating false information or material that may endanger ur disturb public peace and harmony. For that matter, we consider this profession a privileged duty to serve God and humankind.
When people talk about Ghanaians being too corrupt to the extent that we are unable to manage or govern ourselves to match the Western standards, we say, “Look at the great men and women working at Graphic
You have distinguished yourself with the highest level of professionalism that makes every pesce-loving Ghanaian acknowledge one single fact: Graphic is never political or biased towards any party, political party, business group, or religious organisation.
One may be quick to assume that a government-funded company would lean more towards the political party in government, but you are fair and balanced in your reportage of political affairs and matters.
Role of Journalists
We only wish that the men and women working for businesses in the journalism and news industry would consider their role and duties towards their nation, instead of the attractive incentives to promote anything, some of which might not be in the interest of the nation.
As we approach the 2014 general election, we understand that most of the political parties use the media to propagate their philosophies and agendas for Ghana. The media houses have huge responsibilities of safeguarding the peace of this nation, and as such, they must show their love for Ghatia by being patriotic. Patriotism on behalf of the Media houses and the Journalism Industry in Ghana means shunning anything that has a slight likelihood and probability of inciting or inflaming hatred and violence towards any group or person, on confusion or chaos in any community, or anything that may disturb the peace of Ghana.
“When people talk about Ghanaians being too corrupt to the extent that we are unable to manage or govern ourselves to match the Western standards, we say, ‘look at the great men and women working at Graphic.”
It is baffling to think that me people are interested committed to spreading false information about a person or group to tarnish the Image or records of someone or a group, and by doing the perpetrator looks good in the eyes of the people, just to win political
Peaceful Ambience
As a group interested in the development of Ghana after the 2004 elections, we are very committed to the peaceful ambience mbience of of our country and how we disregard elements that have the potential of disturbing our peace.
In one of our recent engagements with the youth of some of the political parties we understood the mindset of some of the political establishments; to gain or maintain power just to make money, enrich themselves and their families and friends and prolong their cumfort lifestyles with little or no regard to the misery of the electorate or voters. This is very unfortunate,
However, the most unfortunate development today in Ghana is the mindset of the average Ghanaian, that almost everyone at the age of adulthood thinks for him or herself. not for anyone, community, or country. People easily say, in Ghana today, that the big men, referring to the political elites, don’t care about us; they build mansions and drive big cars in town after winning power, as we also have to take care of ourselves.
Technically, the people who are being voted to think, brainstorm, and drive policies and actions for the well-being of the ordinary Ghanaian and also for what is good for Ghana, are just selfish and not thinking or doing their job. This is very unfortunate and has catastrophic consequences. It may well be the reason why some Journalists disregard their code of ethics and the good principles of reporting with truthfulness, honesty, and Integrity for their selfish needs and desires.
We pray to the Almighty Allah to touch the hearts of the decision makers and the political elites in Ghana to be conscious of God and humanity in their day-to-day affairs. The benefits of leading such an exemplary life go to the ordinary people and the country.
“May we sacrifice our wants and desires of material things, for our need for Peace, justice, and Prosperity for all Ghanaians”
Co-authored by:
Shaibu Sulleyman – Curator of Shared Voices, writer and technologist.
Khuzaima Mohammed Osman – Eminent Member and Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committee of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council, The National Peace Council, Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya Muslims of Ghana, Human Rights, ADR and Islamic Affairs Consultant.
Dr. Muhammed Salisu Mas-oud – Executive Director, Islamic Peace and Security Council of Ghana and MD of Dan Mas-Oud Group of Companies.
This article was first published in June, 2024. It is now archived here on theshaibu.com to preserve its message and make it accessible to a wider audience.