The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has lauded Vice President and flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 general election, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his exemplary leadership and generosity.
He emphasised that Dr. Bawumia has made significant impact on people’s lives through his humanitarian assistance and quality leadership.
In a speech to mark the 2024 National Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Independence Square in Accra on Sunday, Sheikh Sharubutu further commended the Vice President for using the blessings of his leadership position to support people from various communities across the country.
Eid ul-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a major holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide for three days.
It originates from the historic event when Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham was commanded by God in a dream vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.
While he was in the act of sacrificing his son, God sent the Angel Gabriel with a huge ram.
Gabriel informed Abraham that his dream vision was fulfilled and instructed him to sacrifice the ram as a ransom for his son.
Sharubutu’s Eulogy
Dr. Bawumia, a practising Muslim attended the Eid-ul-Adha prayers alongside thousands of Ghanaians during which the National Chief Imam eulogised him for his selflessness.
“God honoured him with leadership and he has used that honour to serve people well. Not everyone does that.
“What excites me about Dr. Bawumia is that both Muslims and non-Muslims are beneficiaries of his leadership and kindness,” Sheikh Sharubutu reiterated.
The National Chief Imam expressed his gratitude to Allah for bestowing the nation with a leader like Dr. Bawumia, who supports individuals from diverse backgrounds.
“I want to express gratitude to the Almighty Allah for giving us a generous and kind person like Dr. Bawumia, who supports not only Muslims but all people from diverse backgrounds,” he added.
The National Chief Imam underscored the need for religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence amongst all the religious faiths in the country.
He kicked against any acts of religious extremism, and conflicts and violence before, during and after the December 7 polls.
Sheikh Sharubutu entreated all Muslim youth to observe the laws regulating the polls and urged the Electoral Commission to be free, fair, and transparent with its electoral processes.
To the security agencies, the Chief Imam urged them to be professional in their dealings with the political parties and the electorate.
Vote on ideas, policies-Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia entreated Ghanaians to pay attention to the ideas, policies, and solutions from the various presidential candidates before choosing a new President for Ghana.
“As we go to the December polls, let’s make it about ideas and solutions to the problems of our country. We live as Muslims and Christians in harmony and should not let these elections be about religion or religious differences.
“We’re one people, one nation, and should let these elections be about policies, ideas and solutions of the respective candidates have for the country be the focus,” Dr Bawumia stressed.
Prayers for success
As the presidential candidate of the NPP, Dr Bawumia asked for support and prayers from the National Chief Imam to ensure success in the polls.
He underscored the need to tolerate one another and not to allow the 7 December election to jeopardise the peace and stability of the nation.
The NPP presidential candidate urged all Muslims to be inspired by the sacrifice and selflessness act of Prophet Ibrahim to serve humanity with care and kindness.
Dr Bawumia said as Muslims were observing Eid-ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, they should be inspired by prophet Ibrahim’s incredible service of obedience and sacrifice to God.
“Let us always be inspired by his act of selfishness and sacrifice by caring for each other and for a worthy cause for the betterment of their families and communities,” he added.
The vice-president, thus, wished all Muslims Eid Mubarak and advised the youth in particular to observe the festivities in modesty.
Government’s performance
On the performance of the Akufo-Addo-led Government, the vice-president acknowledged the economic challenges occasioned by the global events,
He however stated that due to the prudent measures instituted, the economy was gradually recovering from the economic moribund.
Dr Bawumia highlighted some of the policies the government had implemented so far like the free Senior High School, free TVET, skill training and entrepreneurial empowerment, as well as creating 2.1 million jobs over the past seven years, the highest in the Fourth Republic.
The Zongo Development Fund, he said, had also improved social amenities in Zongo communities including water facilities, drainage system, astroturfs, bridges and classroom blocks while 40 Muslim students were offered education scholarships to study medicine abroad.
