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President John Dramani Mahama played host to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Senior Clerics, Chiefs and other Muslims to an IFTAR (breaking of fast) at the residence of Mr Ibrahim Mahama over the weekend.

The event, which has become an annual event put together at the request of the President, had Ulamaus, chiefs and opinion leaders and women from the Muslim community in the Greater Accra region and beyond, as well as the general public being present.

Dignitaries at the event included all major tribal and Muslim chiefs; distinguished clerics, Imams and Muslim opinion leaders.

They included the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Members of Parliament, Aspiring Members of Parliament, leaders of political parties, and members of the Council of Muslim Chiefs among others.

After breaking their fast with water, fruits and assorted drinks, the National Chief Imam led the gathering in prayer, after which they shared a meal. Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu in his sermon appealed for peaceful election this year.

While consoling President Mahama on the loss of his mother, Hajia Abiba Nnaba, the eminent Muslim leader also prayed for the nation’s prosperity. He also thanked President Mahama for heeding to his request for a befitting Hajj Village.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the well-attended event included Chief Moro Baba Issah, and Alhaji Bature Iddrisu, Managing Editor of The aL-hAJJ newspaper, who doubled as the organizer of the event
In his speech Alhaji Bature traced the affinity between Muslims and the people of the zongos and the ruling National Democratic Congress.
According to him, the strong bond that exist between the NDC and Muslims and people living in zongos dates back to the Jerry Rawlings era.

“It was former President Rawlings and the NDC that elevated Muslims and people living in Zongos from second and third class citizens to first class citizens. This explains why Muslims and people living in Zongos have not turned their backs at the NDC. Muslims and people living in zongos identify with the NDC not because President Mahama is a Northerner, but because the NDC exalted us,” Alhaji Bature noted.

On his part Chief Moro Baba Issah thanked the president, the government and Alhaji Bature for initiating the event to commemorate the observant of the Holy month of Ramadan.

He, however, appealed to the president and government for another bus for the Council of Muslim Chiefs to facilitate their movement. He also appealed to government to help fund the celebration of Eid Ul fitri carnival which has become an international tourist attraction.
Ghanaian Muslims will join Muslims across the world to mark the end of Ramadan on Tuesday with the climax on Wednesday, Eid ul fitri celebrating and a carnival. The day has been declared by government as a national holiday.

President Mahama, on his part, also thanked Ghanaian Muslims who commiserated and took part in all celebrations to give his late mum, a devout Muslim, a befitting funeral.

The mother of the president, Hajia Abiba Nnama was a practicing and devout Muslim even though he (the president) is a Christian.