Vice-President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, President Akufo-Addo and Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu at the ceremony
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, yesterday led Islamic prayers for President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the Abossey Okai Central Mosque in Accra.
President Akufo-Addo used the occasion to express profound gratitude to the National Chief Imam, for, as he put it, his exemplary role in helping to sustain the peace that had been the envy of many nations in the world.
One hundred and fourteen chapters of the Holy Quran were recited as a means of beseeching the blessing of God for the country as it enters a new era of governance after the election.
The President said that the task of sustaining peace was a collective responsibility and therefore urged all citizens to play their individual roles in ensuring that there was stability – a prerequisite for development.
Vice-President Dr. Bawumia also prayed to Allah for peace as he called on citizens to remain united and embrace diversity so as to promote peaceful coexistence.
He pledged to undertake a major renovation of the Abossey Okai Central Mosque to show gratitude to God for granting the NPP victory in the just ended election.
In his remarks, the National Chief Imam encouraged Ghanaians to proclaim the favours and blessings God had bestowed on the country through the expression of gratitude.
“If you show Him gratitude, He will increase His favours. He has made it possible for persons of different religions to sit at a table and have tea. Meanwhile it is not so in other countries,” he said.
He noted that, instability in neighboring countries should serve as a lesson for Ghanaians, for the need for Ghanaians to be grateful to Allah and should therefore jealously guard the peace and stability enjoyed.
He expressed gratitude to Dr. Bawumia and indicated that it was people of faith who gave life to the house of Allah (mosque).
“He is going to have his share of rewards as long as people continue to benefit from his good gesture,” he said.
The President was accompanied by the Chairman of the NPP, Freddie Blay, and other leading members of the party.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Issah Mohammed