The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, Ghana’s National Chief Imam, has led a high-level Muslim delegation to the residences of president-elect John Dramani Mahama and vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The purpose of the post-election visit was to commend the main contenders, congratulate the victor, and commiserate with the loser of the presidential election.

The Muslim delegation included the leadership of the Council of Zango chiefs, the head of the Ghana Muslim Mission, and Imams of the four Muslim sects, thus Ahmadiyya, Ahlussunnah, Shia, and Tijjaniyya.

They first visited the vice president at his official residence on Wednesday, where they commiserated and commended him for the show of statesmanship by conceding defeat early to ease tension and sustain peace.

“Your firm belief in the fact that Allah does things and he doesn’t make a mistake is the nature of the believer,” said Sheikh Armeyaw Shuaib, the spokesperson of the National Chief Imam.

Dr. Bawumia, for his part, regarded the visit as a sign of love from the Muslim community.

He said his goal for venturing into politics, which was to help to build the nation, remains unchanged despite the loss in the recent election.

“That night, I came to the conclusion by looking at the results that we had not won the election and there was no path to winning the election. And I thought that it was not good to allow tension to build up in the country.

“I am not running for myself. If Allah says it is not your time, that is it. You submit to his will,” said Dr. Bawumia.

The National Chief Imam, who offered a special prayer to the vice president, said that some denials in life are favours.

He observed that the decision to concede and declare it publicly has been a favour that has contributed to maintaining the peace in the country.

“I am profoundly grateful to you because you have preferred to ensure peace over division. May Allah reward you with goodness,” he said.

On Thursday, when the delegation met the president-elect, the national chief Imam prayed for the incoming president for the protection and wisdom to rule the country.

In his remarks, the National Chief Imam said Ghana was fortunate to have a successful election that led to the election of former president Mahama.

He urged Ghanaians to prioritise peaceful living and do all it takes to sustain the peace in the country.

John Mahama commended the chief imam for his consistency in reaching out to him since he became vice president in 2009.

“From as far back as 2009, when I became vice president, he came to me, and in 2012, when I won the election, he came home to congratulate me, and in 2017, after I had lost the election, he was there again among the first to come and express his sympathy about our loss, and again in 2020 after we lost that election,” he said.

He said the rigorous campaign was beginning to take a toll on him, and in that regard, he has not been feeling too well after the declaration of the election results.

“But had to come out for the legal things that needed to be done, which was the formation of the transitional teams,” he said.

He expressed commitment to investigating election violence that led to the death of some individuals in this current election, the 2020 election, and the Ayawaso West Wuagon by-election.

“I want to thank the people of Ghana for the overwhelming endorsement that they have given us. I think the people of Ghana realise the enormity of the challenge the next government is going to face, and that is why they have given the stamp of authority to take this bold step.” He said.

He assured the delegation of his readiness to engage and listen to advice that would help shape the fortune of the country for the better.

He disclosed that a committee would be set up to work on the implementation of pledges made to Muslims in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto.

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