The National Chief Imam of Ghana, Shaikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has denounced the shooting that erupted inside the Ho Central Mosque on Friday, December 26, describing the violence as a grave violation of Islamic values and a threat to national security.
In a statement issued Monday, December 29, the 106-year-old cleric expressed “deep disgust” over the incident, noting with concern that Muslims had attacked fellow Muslims within a sacred place of worship.
He called the shooting “an affront to Islamic sanctity, a deviation from basic civility, a tribute to outright impunity, and a serious threat to national security.”
The violence, according to the Chief Imam, stemmed from a bitter contest over the Volta Regional Imamship between Shaikh Ali Muniru and Shaikh Anas. He reaffirmed that Shaikh Muniru remains the legitimate Volta Regional Imam, while Shaikh Anas serves as his deputy.
Sharubutu stressed that Muniru’s selection was not imposed but rather the outcome of “extensive consultations and mediation efforts.” He questioned why a matter he considers resolved continues to generate division and bloodshed within the Muslim community.
Describing both clerics as his “children,” the Chief Imam said he expected “unity, solidarity, and cordiality” from them in their service to Allah and humanity. He urged followers of both factions to remain law-abiding and peace-loving, in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The Chief Imam also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to act with fairness and impartiality in handling the matter, warning that “selective justice would amount to injustice.”
He prayed for the recovery of those injured in the shooting and reminded all parties of the Quranic injunction on unity and reconciliation: “The believers are brothers. So, make reconciliation between your brothers. And fear Allah, so that you may receive mercy” (Quran 49:10).
Meanwhile, Graphic Online understands that 14 suspects (in connection to the disturbance) who were arrested and sent to the Police Headquarters in Accra last Saturday have been released.
