National Chief Imam,Sheikh Osman NuhuSharubutu
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman NuhuSharubutu, has advised against“ over reactions that put the long-standing interfaith co-operation and harmony in Ghana into jeopardy.”
In a statement on the brouhaha originating from the Wesley Girls’ High School fasting decision, he expressed the belief that “with sober minds, deeper reflection and empathetic engagements, the matter could be amicably resolved as soon as possible.”
The cleric has in the light of the development appealed to the Christian Mission schools “to treat his grandchildren with love, dignity and empathy for the enhancement of national integration.”
By this he said “we will be able to make of these students the all-time ambassadors and defenders of interfaith love, co-operation and harmony in Ghana.”
He has called for immediate consultations of all stakeholders in the matter for quick and amicable resolution.
In the statement signed by his spokesperson, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, he described as “frightening and worrying the uproar that arose since it emerged in the public that fasting of all kinds has been prohibited by the management of the Wesley Girls’ Senior High School.”
He has however expressed optimism that the issue can be resolved with sobriety and consultation.
Hesaid he and his outfit “have been monitoring with deep concern and trepidation the media confrontational exchanges around the matter and how hurting it is becoming to the long-standing harmonious interfaith relationship between Islam and Christianity in Ghana.”
The subject, he said, being sensitive to both the Islamic and Christian faiths, requires sobriety and deeper reflection rather than acrimony.
He disagreed with the seeming impression that in the light of the exchanges, the existing interfaith peace and harmony is not deeply rooted.
To the contrary however, he said “Islam and Christianity have stood by each other and jointly addressed national challenges when it mattered most,” pointing for instance at the joint action to reduce tension during the last elections and in matters affecting national morality such as the LGBTQI+, comprehensive sex education and COVID-19 prevention task force support among others.
The Islamic cleric has commended all persons who have called for calm in the ongoing disagreement.
He also commended the National Peace Council for its earlier statement calling for calm.
The Ghana Education Service was also recognised by the cleric for as he put it “its quick response though disagreed by the Methodist Church of Ghana.” He also expressed appreciation for the concerns of the Methodist Church.
By A.R. Gomda