The Presidential Envoy for Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Bodies, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, together with members of his committee, has paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, at his residence.
Addressing the Chief Imam, Hon. Afriyie Ankrah conveyed the warmest greetings of President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah.
He noted that the Mahama administration holds in high esteem the pivotal role played by the Chief Imam in fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, a harmony he described as a rare blessing not enjoyed by many nations.
According to the Presidential Envoy, the Chief Imam remains “a gift from God to Ghana”, and the purpose of the visit was to encourage and appreciate him for his continuous efforts in deepening national unity.
He referenced Luke 10:25–37 and relevant verses from the Holy Qur’an, emphasising the shared moral foundations that bind the nation’s major faith groups.
Hon. Afriyie Ankrah added that Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery – evidenced by improvements in inflation management and the cedi–dollar exchange rate can only be sustained in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. He stressed that the government is committed to safeguarding this stability.
As part of the visit, Hon. Afriyie Ankrah, on behalf of President Mahama and the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, made a presentation to the Office of the National Chief Imam.
The donation comprised 100 bags of rice, 10 gallons of cooking oil, and an undisclosed sum of money, intended to support the Chief Imam’s office in its religious and social interventions.
Chief Imam Commends Government’s Inter-Faith Initiatives
In his response, the National Chief Imam praised President Mahama for establishing the Office for Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Bodies, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening relations between Christians and Muslims.
He recalled the President’s remarkable gesture during the National Day of Prayer, noting that such acts deepen mutual respect and national cohesion.
The Chief Imam said Ghana’s long-standing peace is rooted in its “unique social dynamic system”, where citizens of different faiths have lived harmoniously for generations.
He cited familiar examples such as Christians looking forward to receiving meat from Muslim neighbours during Salah, and Muslims likewise expecting generosity from Christians during festive periods as signs of a shared culture that must not be taken for granted.
He cautioned that many countries, despite being more endowed with wealth and resources, struggle to maintain the peace Ghana enjoys.
This, he said, underscores the importance of consciously nurturing unity, adding that no conversation on inter-faith harmony would be complete without acknowledging the unique role played by the National Chief Imam.
Four Cardinal Points from the Chief Imam
The Chief Imam highlighted four key principles:
1. Common Origin: All humans originate from Adam and Eve, and God created races and tribes not for conflict but for mutual recognition and cooperation.
2. Peace and Harmony: The establishment of the inter-faith office by President Mahama is a call for Ghanaians to strengthen peace and harmony.
3. Divine Favour: Ghana enjoys blessings of religious unity that many nations lack, evidenced by Christians and Muslims sitting together, consulting, and interacting peacefully.
4. Equality Before God: No individual or group is superior to another in the sight of Almighty Allah.
He expressed profound gratitude to President Mahama, prayed for him, the Chief of Staff, and the entire government, and urged all Ghanaians to continue upholding the values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
