Liberia: Development Advocate Thompson identifies with Muslim Community in Salala District During Ramadan

Totota, Bong County – Liberian humanitarian and development advocate William Telebo Thompson has donated forty bags of 25kg rice along with an undisclosed amount of cash to the Muslim community in Salala District, Bong County, as part of his continued support during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

By Selma Lomax, [email protected] 

The donation was presented on behalf of Thompson by the Officer in Charge of the Thompson Development Alliance (TDA), Mr. Mane Saah, during a brief ceremony held in Totota on Wednesday.

Speaking during the presentation, Saah said the gesture reflects Thompson’s deep respect for the Muslim community and his commitment to identifying with them during a sacred period devoted to prayer, sacrifice, and reflection.

He emphasized that Thompson believes community leaders and citizens must stand together in times of spiritual observance and social need, noting that Ramadan represents an important opportunity to promote peace, unity, and national development.

Saah also conveyed Thompson’s message of solidarity with the Muslim community in Salala District and urged them to continue praying for harmony, stability, and progress across Liberia.

In a statement shared through the presentation team, Thompson explained why he deliberately chooses to identify with the Muslim community during Ramadan.

According to him, supporting Muslims during the fasting period is not merely an act of charity but a demonstration of shared humanity and respect for faith.

“Ramadan is a sacred period of reflection, sacrifice, and compassion,” Thompson said. “During this time, Muslims dedicate themselves to prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal. I believe that standing with them in this moment is not just about providing food. It is about acknowledging their faith, respecting their devotion, and reminding them that they are valued members of our national community whose prayers and sacrifices contribute to the peace and growth of Liberia.”

In another statement explaining his motivation, Thompson said his support for Muslims comes from a long-standing belief in unity among religious communities.

“As Liberians, our strength lies in the way we respect and support one another regardless of our religious backgrounds,” he said. “When Muslims observe Ramadan, they do so not only for themselves but for the well-being of their families, communities, and the entire nation. I choose to identify with them during this time because their prayers for peace and development are prayers that benefit all of us.”

Thompson also stressed that his actions are guided by his belief in compassion and community service. “Helping others during their moment of spiritual reflection reminds us that faith should bring people together,” Thompson said. “Ramadan teaches patience, generosity, and humility. These are values that every society needs if we truly want to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

He further encouraged Liberians to embrace religious tolerance and collective responsibility. “When we support each other across faiths and cultures, we strengthen the bonds that hold our nation together,” Thompson added. “My small contribution is simply a way of expressing appreciation for the Muslim community and encouraging them to continue their prayers for Liberia.”

Thompson also noted that his identification with Muslims during Ramadan has been a consistent practice over the years.

According to him, he has always made it a priority to stand with Muslim communities during the holy month by providing assistance and participating in activities that promote unity and compassion.

“Every Ramadan reminds me that service to humanity is one of the greatest expressions of faith,” Thompson said. “For many years I have taken time to identify with Muslims during this sacred season because their devotion and discipline inspire all of us to become better citizens.”

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Muslim community, Imam Jusufu Kanneh, along with community representative Mr. Massaquoi, expressed profound appreciation to Thompson for what they described as a timely and meaningful intervention.

Imam Kanneh said the donation arrived at a moment when the community was facing serious food shortages during the fasting period.

“This support has come at a very critical time for our community,” Imam Kanneh explained. “Many families were struggling to find food to break their fast, and the situation had become deeply concerning. The arrival of these bags of rice and the financial assistance has brought relief to many households and restored hope among our people.”

He added that the gesture demonstrates that Thompson understands the importance of compassion during religious observances.

“Ramadan is a time when Muslims are called upon to show patience, generosity, and devotion to God,” the Imam said. “When leaders like Hon. Thompson stand with us during this sacred month, it strengthens our faith and reminds us that humanity and kindness still exist within our society.”

Imam Kanneh also praised Thompson for what he described as a consistent commitment to community development and humanitarian service.

“Hon. William Telebo Thompson has demonstrated that leadership is not only about holding positions but about touching the lives of ordinary people,” Imam Kanneh stated. “Through gestures like this, he has shown that he values the well-being of every community regardless of religion.”

The Imam further offered prayers for Thompson’s continued success. “We sincerely thank Hon. Thompson for remembering us during this blessed month,” he said. “May Allah reward his generosity, guide his path, and grant him greater opportunities to continue serving humanity.”