The envoy and her team being hosted by the National Chief Imam
The outgoing United States Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie Sullivan, last Thursday presented the annual US Embassy Ramadan gift to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu at his Fadama residence in Accra.
The gesture is an annual affair initiated 15 years ago by the United States Embassy in Ghana during the Ramadan fasting and Eid Al Adha as a way of solidarising with the Islamic community.
Ambassador Sullivan used the occasion to inform the cleric about the end of her tenure. She thanked him for the support and welcoming gesture that she and the embassy staff received anytime they pay a call on him. She also asked him to pray for her to achieve her goals in her next appointment.
The US Ambassador said her deputy would be in charge of affairs at the embassy before the arrival of the new Ambassador at the end of April.
Stephanie Sullivan said “the United States values its relationship with the Muslim community in Ghana, especially the National Chief Imam who has proven to be a champion of religious freedom and harmony, promoter of interfaith relations and tolerance with other religions.”
The Chief Imam thanked the Ambassador for maintaining the great and wonderful gesture of kindness to the Ghanaian Muslim community “anytime we are about to start our fast or celebrate Eid Ul Adha.” He said he values the gift greatly.
He added “we appreciate the role America plays in liberating and empowering people in America and other continents, especially in the areas of freedom, religious liberty and youth empowerment.”
Present at the meeting were Sheikh Armiyao Shaibu, the spokesman to the National Chief Imam; Alhaji Abdul Lateef Abdul Salam, protocol officer of the National Chief Imam; and Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya Muslims Movement of Ghana.
Also present from the US Embassy in Accra in the company of the Ambassador were Deputy Chief of Mission – Nicole Chulick, political officer Christopher Perry and a few other embassy staff.