The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has pledged his full support and cooperation to Ghana’s national security agencies in efforts to prevent violent extremism and safeguard places of worship across the country.
The Chief Imam made the commitment when Major General Dr. Timothy Ba-Taa-Banah, Director of the National Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre, led a security delegation to pay a courtesy visit to the revered Islamic leader in Accra on August 18.
The visit formed part of efforts by the security agencies to strengthen collaboration with religious bodies and promote greater vigilance within faith communities amid concerns over the threat of violent extremism and terrorism.
The security delegation called for increased vigilance among religious leaders and worshippers, as well as closer cooperation between faith-based organisations and state security institutions to ensure the safety and security of places of worship.
In response, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu assured the delegation of his full support and expressed his readiness to offer guidance and advice to help prevent conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
The Chief Imam emphasised that religious teachings, both in Islam and Christianity, promote peace, love, tolerance and respect for human life rather than violence.
He cited portions of the Qur’an and the Bible which call on believers to avoid violence, hatred and unnecessary conflict, stressing that religious teachings should be used to unite communities rather than divide them.
“If we learn to love ourselves and preach love among ourselves, there can never be fighting in our part of the world.”
According to the Chief Imam, promoting love, understanding and mutual respect among people of different religious and cultural backgrounds remains one of the most effective ways of preventing tensions that could develop into conflict.
He therefore urged religious leaders to continue using their platforms to educate their congregations on the importance of peace, tolerance and peaceful dispute resolution.
Sheikh Sharubutu also called on the general public to support the work of the national security agencies by remaining vigilant and providing relevant information that could help prevent threats to national peace and security.
He stressed that maintaining peace and security is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of government institutions, religious organisations, traditional leaders, community members and the general public.
The Chief Imam encouraged Ghanaians to remain united and resist messages or actions capable of creating fear, hatred and division within communities.
He further assured the security delegation that religious leaders have an important role to play in promoting peace and preventing violent extremism, particularly through education, dialogue and community engagement.
Prayer for the security delegation
The meeting ended with a prayer by the National Chief Imam for God’s blessings, protection and guidance for the security delegation and all those working to protect the peace and stability of Ghana.
He prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the country’s security personnel and called for divine support for efforts aimed at maintaining a peaceful environment where all Ghanaians can live, worship and work without fear.
The engagement underscores the growing importance of collaboration between religious institutions and national security agencies in strengthening Ghana’s peace and security architecture and preventing the spread of violent extremism.
