Mahama under fire for ‘disrespecting’ Chief Imam’s office

A Zongo Development advocacy group The Zongo Movement for Development (ZOMOD), has chided former President John Mahama for what it calls “flagrant display of disrespect towards His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.”

In a press release issued in Accra, the group accused Mr. Mahama of disrespecting the National Chief Imam when he turned his introduction of his running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang into a rally in the presence of the Chief Imam at his residence.

“The Zongo Movement for Development, ZOMOD has noted with shock the flagrant display of disrespect towards His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu by former President John Dramani Mahama and his Running Mate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang on Wednesday August 12, 2020, at his residence in Fadama,” the statement said.

“Former President Mahama, under the guise of visiting His Eminence to introduce to him his running mate, Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang, ended up with a mini rally at the residence of the National Chief Imam with organised supporters who were bussed to the place.”

“We find this behaviour by the former President and his team not only disrespectful to the National Chief Imam and his Office, but also appaling and unbecoming of one who ought to know better.”

According to the group, Mr Mahama sought to deliberately taint the Chief Imam’s status by busing his supporters to the Chief Imam’s residence to enhance his political campaign.

“The National Chief Imam is a revered cleric, a national icon, a champion of diversity and politically neutral whose presence should be treated with decorum, and not with mass political fanfare as displayed by former President Mahama and his entourage.
All manner of persons and political leaders do visit the Chief Imam, but never have we seen such display of disrespect.”

“By bussing supporters to his residence and spontaneouly chanting party songs in front of the National Chief Imam and other Eminent Imams, the former President and his team deliberately set up the revered Chief Imam for propaganda effect to enhance his political campaign.

The group said Mahama had behaved deliberately because he had behaved differently to different leaders in similar situations.

“Just a few hours before Mr. Mahama went to the Chief Imam’s residence for his rally, he had called on the leadership of the Christian community and he didn’t dare display such disrespect towards them,” said the group.

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In related developments John Dramani Mahama, at the ceremony to intoduce Prof Jane Naana to the Christian Council said, he together with his running mate will refrain from insulting or name-calling political opponents in the run-up to the 2020 elections.

According to Mahama, although his team, specifically Prof Jane Naana, has been a victim of scathing attacks from opponents, they will remain unperturbed.

“My running mate, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, whom I am presenting to you today, has been encouraged by the Osu Mantse to be strong and courageous in the face of, what he feared would be, a barrage of insults and attacks on her person, just because she has decided to serve her country at the highest level, help shape its destiny and ensure shared prosperity for all. Indeed, these unprovoked attacks and insults have already started. But I can assure you and all Ghanaians that Naana Jane and myself will never engage in insults and name-calling of opponents. Children are watching, listening and copying and it is important we serve as good role models.”

John Mahama promised that all projects started under the Nana Akufo Addo administration will be continued if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wins power come December 7.