John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reiterated his commitment to addressing the unique healthcare and infrastructure needs of Ghana’s Zongo communities, emphasizing culturally sensitive facilities and enhanced health infrastructure.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Ghana National Muslims Conference in Accra on Sunday, October 27, Mahama detailed his plans to establish specialized facilities to manage the remains of deceased Muslims according to Islamic burial rites. This initiative, Mahama noted, builds on his 2020 commitment to uphold the dignity and respect for Muslim communities in his national development agenda.
Mahama outlined his administration’s intent to create a dedicated facility for the Islamic handling of deceased persons, ensuring that burial procedures adhere to religious customs.
Beyond mortuary services, Mahama announced plans to upgrade health services in Zongo communities by equipping local health centers with advanced medical resources and infrastructure. He also mentioned partnering with the private sector to construct new abattoirs and improve existing ones to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards and halal requirements.
Abattoirs in communities like Tulaku, he noted, would benefit from renovations focused on hygienic, efficient, and religiously compliant meat processing, which would support not only Zongo residents but also Ghana’s broader Muslim population by ensuring halal standards in meat production.
“We will uphold our 2020 promise to create specialized facilities for handling Muslim burials in accordance with Islamic customs,” Mahama stated. “Additionally, we will equip health facilities in Muslim communities with essential infrastructure and collaborate with the private sector to establish new abattoirs and rehabilitate existing ones to meet WHO and halal standards for meat processing.”