Accra: The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, will on Saturday, September 5, host Muslims across Ghana for the annual National Maulid celebration to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The main event, organised under the auspices of the Office of the National Chief Imam, will take place at the Sheikh Sharubutu Astroturf at New Fadama in Accra, with the programme scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m.

The celebration is expected to bring together Muslim scholars, regional Chief Imams, traditional leaders, government representatives, politicians and members of the Muslim community to reflect on the life, teachings and legacy of the Prophet.

The 2026 celebration follows a series of activities organised as part of the National Maulid programme, including a Maulid Walk held on Sunday, August 30.

Sheikh Sharubutu joined thousands of Muslims and community members for the walk, which highlighted the Prophet’s teachings on faith, peace, unity and compassion.

The Maulid celebration is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for Muslim leaders and participants to renew calls for peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national unity.

The National Chief Imam has over the years used the annual celebration to draw attention to issues affecting the Muslim community and the country, while urging Muslims to emulate the exemplary life and character of Prophet Muhammad.

The event has also traditionally attracted people from across the political and religious divide, making it one of the major annual gatherings on Ghana’s Islamic calendar.

At the 2025 National Maulid, for instance, the gathering attracted government officials, politicians, Chief Imams from all 16 regions and Islamic leaders from outside Ghana.

The government delegation at that event also urged Muslims to support efforts to address illegal small-scale mining, while prayers were offered for President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the government and the nation.

Beyond its religious significance, the National Maulid under Sheikh Sharubutu has become an important platform for promoting national cohesion and interfaith relations.

The Chief Imam has consistently cautioned against politicising the religious celebration, stressing that the Maulid should retain its religious character and sanctity.

In 2023, he warned political actors against using the occasion as a campaign platform, including the display of party paraphernalia and provocative political remarks.

The 2026 celebration comes at a time when Muslim leaders have renewed calls for responsible religious leadership and peaceful coexistence.

The National Maulid is expected to feature Qur’anic recitations, religious exhortations, praise poetry and prayers, as participants commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad and reflect on his teachings.

The celebration forms part of Sheikh Sharubutu’s longstanding efforts to promote Islamic values, peace and national cohesion.

The National Chief Imam has for decades occupied a prominent position in Ghana’s religious landscape and has been recognised for his role in promoting peaceful relations among different faith communities.

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