‘Shaikh Muniru is Volta Imam, Anas his deputy’

The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Shaikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has strongly condemned the shooting incident at the Ho Central Mosque, describing it as a disturbing act that undermines Islamic values, public safety, and national peace.

In a statement issued on his behalf, the Chief Imam expressed disgust at the shooting of Muslims by Muslims at the mosque on Friday, December 26, 2025, calling the incident an affront to Islamic sanctity, a threat to national security, a deviation from basic civility, and a tribute to outright impunity.

“His Eminence condemns the incident and describes it as an affront to Islamic sanctity, a threat to national security, a deviation from basic civility, and a tribute to outright impunity.”

According to His Eminence, the violence stems from an ongoing contest over the Volta Regional Imamship involving Shaikh Ali Muniru and Shaikh Anas.

He reiterated that Shaikh Muniru is the legitimate Volta Regional Imam, with Shaikh Anas serving as his Deputy, stressing that the selection of Shaikh Muniru was not an imposition but a product of consultation and mediation.

“In the words of the Grand Imam, the gun violence is traceable to the contest for the Volta regional Imamship between Shaikh Ali Muniru and Shaikh Anas. He, however, reiterates that Shaikh Muniru is the legitimate Volta regional Imam, and Shaikh Anas (is) the Deputy Imam.”

He questioned why a matter he considers resolved continues to fuel violence within the Muslim community.

The Chief Imam described both clerics as his “children,” from whom he expects unity, solidarity, and peaceful service to Allah and humanity.

He urged their followers to remain law-abiding and peace-loving, consistent with Islamic teachings, and appealed to the police to handle the matter with fairness.

“Indeed, selective justice is tantamount to injustice,” he cautioned.

His Eminence further prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and called for reconciliation, citing the Quranic injunction: “The believers are brothers. So, make reconciliation between your brothers. And fear Allah, so that you may receive mercy” (Quran 49:10).

He also offered prayers for national peace, saying, “May Allah reconcile the Ummah and bless our Homeland, Ghana. Ameen.”