By The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, has raised alarm over what he describes as discrimination against residents of Zongo communities in accessing national identification documents, including Ghana cards and passports.
He said some individuals are being denied these documents due to assumptions that they are foreigners based on their names or backgrounds.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, March 20, Baba Jamal noted that communities such as Nima in his constituency have existed for generations and are made up of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds who are fully Ghanaian.
He cautioned that restricting access to national identification not only undermines citizens’ rights but could also create unnecessary tension and division in the country.
“We thank the president for adding one holiday to Eid-ul-Fitr. Previously, some people fasted for 29 days while others fasted for 30 days, which caused challenges. With the two holidays now, everyone can celebrate Eid in peace and harmony,” he added.
Baba Jamal also highlighted the importance of Ghana’s interfaith harmony, describing it as a key national strength, with both Muslims and Christians actively participating in and supporting each other’s religious events.
“It is important that all of us take note of how people from the Zongos are sometimes seen as aliens or foreigners, and on that basis, many are being denied national ID cards, passports, and other identification documents just because of their names or ethnic backgrounds. This issue needs urgent attention,” he said.
He further expressed appreciation to President Mahama for introducing an additional public holiday for Muslims during Eid-ul-Fitr, describing it as a positive and inclusive gesture.
According to him, the extra holiday helps to address variations in fasting periods while also promoting national unity.
