Chief Imam, Muslim Leaders Happy About Partial Lockdown Lifting

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has commended the Akufo-Addo led government for lifting the partial lockdown of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Kasoa.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shuaib, his spokesperson, said, in spite of the challenging circumstances, President Akufo-Addo has laid out appropriate measures in tackling the covid-19 pandemic.

“We have also observed how you have been reviewing the various measures in order to contain and also curtail the further spread of the disease, up to the very strict restrictions you have taken, including those you have already mentioned like the closing of our borders, restricting meetings of religious gatherings. It was so difficult for you to take, but you have done it.”

“We are happy, even including the final lifting of the lockdown in order to allow movement of people across. We are grateful to you” he added.

The Chief Imam made this known on Wednesday, 22nd April 2020, when President Akufo-Addo held a meeting with leaders of the Muslim community to brief them on the rationale behind the lifting of the partial lockdown of Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Kasoa, and also to explain further the measures being taken by Government to combat the pandemic.

Placing on record their commendation for “the able leadership that you have exhibited, obvious for everyone to see, since this very disturbing phenomenon raised its head in our country”, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shuaib noted that “we have had no alternative but to accept and adhere to the directives you gave us, especially those that have to do with the restrictions on meetings.”

He noted further that, in complying to the President’s directives, The Chief Imam organized a press conference, with the support of leaders of the Muslim sects, to inform and further direct what Muslims should also do to effect and adhere to the directives given by the President.

READ ALSO:
Partial Lockdown Lifting, the Right Thing to Do – Trade Union Boss

“As you have already observed yourself, we are happy that Muslims all over the country also adhered to the directions that were given. Apart from the initial difficulties we had with a few of the Imams, who probably did not understand the import of the whole directives and encouragements, we can say with all confidence that all the Imams are adhering to the directives, and no Mosque is administering the Jumah prayer,” Sheikh Aremeyaw Shuaib added.

With Ramadan approaching, to be followed by Eid, the spokesperson to the Chief Imam noted that “our religion is a flexible religion, it is moderate and it contextualizes issues. So, whatever the situation is, with the views that will come up from here, if we have to continue, we will follow you.”

He continued, “We have observed the empathy on your face anytime you come up to speak, I could read from your face the difficulty with which you speak to us and I am sure it is the same case for many of us who are here. We will never leave you. You are assured of our support.”