The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Sharabutu, has called on Ghanaians to protect the country’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, saying the nation’s interfaith harmony is a blessing that must not be taken for granted.
Speaking at a police dialogue in Accra on August 14, the Chief Imam said Muslims, Christians and followers of other faiths share a common human origin and should therefore see one another as members of one family rather than as adversaries.
Referencing the Holy Quran, he said humanity was created from common parents, Adam and Eve, and that God subsequently made people into different communities and groups.
He said the diversity of humanity is not intended to create conflict or war but to enable people to know, understand and support one another.
“Not because our diversity should give rise to conflicts or war,” he said, stressing that religious and cultural differences should instead be used as an opportunity for greater understanding.
The Chief Imam praised Ghana for maintaining peaceful relations among people of different faiths, describing the country’s interfaith harmony as a “great favor and grace” from God.
He urged Ghanaians not to undermine the peace that has characterised relations between Muslims and Christians in the country.
He further appealed to religious leaders to promote dialogue and cooperation, saying other nations could learn from Ghana’s experience of peaceful religious coexistence.
The Chief Imam also encouraged Ghanaians to remain grateful for the peace in the country, citing the Quranic teaching that gratitude for God’s blessings would lead to an increase in those blessings.
He appealed for a spirit of reconciliation among religious leaders, asking the apostle who had made comments that had become a subject of discussion, together with other leaders present, to exchange handshakes before leaving the event.
The gesture was met with applause from participants.
The Chief Imam’s intervention forms part of continuing efforts by religious and national stakeholders to strengthen dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Ghana, particularly at a time when religious leaders are increasingly being called upon to help prevent tensions and promote national unity.
By Evelyn Tengmaa
