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Ghana is beacon of democracy – Ibn Chambas

Ghana is touted the beacon of democracy, stability and peace, because of the sacrifices of people like Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas has said.

He said Ghana remained the envy of many countries in Africa and across the world, as it was blessed with good leaders.

Dr Chambas, the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of  the United Nations (UN) for West Africa and the Sahel Region (UNOWAS), who was speaking at the 100th birthday celebration of the National Chief Imam in Accra, said the exemplary leadership style of Dr Sharubutu continued to illuminate the world.

He indicated that prominent Ghanaians, including the National Chief Imam, continued to provide the right direction to countries ripped apart by conflict.

Dr Chambas said there was the need to address rising inequalities between the rich and the poor, adding that the National Chief Imam has lifted his office from the spiritual remit to one that provided food and clothing to the poor and needy.

According to the UNOWAS boss, although Ghana has featured as the fastest growing economy in Africa, and one of the three fastest growing economies in the world, the yawning gap between the rich and the poor, was not in line with the vision of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and the African agenda 2063.

He said Ghana must redouble its efforts to ensure that no one was left behind in terms of development.

Dr Chambas, who is an avid admirer of the National Chief Imam, described him as a born leader, peacemaker, philanthropist and unifier.

In spite of Dr Sharubutu’s outstanding achievement as an intellectually brilliant and erudite scholar of Islamic jurisprudence, Dr Chambas said that the National Chief Imam was more comfortable with the title Mallam, meaning a teacher.

Even before he became the National Chief Imam, the UN envoy noted that Dr Sharubutu was known among his peers as a pious clerk, whom people turned to for authoritative interpretation of the Qur’an and Hadith (life and teachings) of Prophet Muhammad.

Dr Chambas said the National Chief Imam has made invaluable contribution towards peace as a religious leader and member of the National Peace Council, and has supported brilliant but needy students to pursue further education.

Dr Chambas asked Ghanaians to promote peace, tolerance, discipline and development.

He commended Dr Sharubutu for bringing together the various Islamic sects to discuss the development of Muslims in Ghana.    

BY MALIK SULLEMANA

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