An Islamic Scholar has called on Ghanaians to cultivate the culture of reading about various religions, saying it would keep them open-minded.
It would also contribute to peaceful co-existence and national development.
Mr Atiqu Yussif Baba, Executive Director of Charitable Organisation for the Relief of the Depressed (COFTROTD), a local NGO, made the call on Wednesday when he presented two copies of English translated and transliterated version of the Holy Quran to management of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the headquarters of the Agency in Accra.
He said such healthy reading habits would foster solidarity, understanding and respect for other religious beliefs and cultures among the citizenry.
He explained that the donated scripture which would be kept in the GNA library for reference, would help to enhance public understanding of the Islamic faith, thereby promote peaceful co-existence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Ghana.
"Reading improves knowledge to live a self-reliant life in society," he added.
The Executive Director expressed worry that many people did not understand the principles of Islam and described as unfortunate the linkage of the religion to terrorism.
"Islam means peace. We are all brothers and must live in peace without discriminating against each other," he said.
Receiving the item, Mr Boakye-Dankwa Boadi, Acting General Manager of the GNA, said management of the Agency was mindful of the importance of unity in diversity, adding that employing people from various religions and cultural backgrounds had helped to make the Agency fair and unbiased in its reportage.
Mr Boadi lauded the NGO for its thoughtfulness and pledged that the Agency would utilize the donation for the public good
"The Agency is committed to its mandate of building a knowledge-based society for national development," he added.