The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has condemned the shooting incident that took place at the Ho Central Mosque in the Volta Region on Friday.

The National Chief Imam described the development as an affront to Islam by Muslims at the Ho Central Mosque at Ho Zongo.

According to him, the shooting incident at the mosque not only posed a threat to national security but also represented a deviation from basic civility and an act of impunity.

Shaikh Dr Sharubutu said this in a statement signed on his behalf by his Personal Assistant, Dr Abubakar Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, and issued to the media in Accra.

Shaikh Dr Sharubutu said the gun violence was traceable to the contest for the Volta Regional Imamship between Shaikh Ali Muniru and Shaikh Anas.

The National Chief Imam stressed that Shaikh Muniru is the legitimate Volta Regional Imam, while Shaikh Anas is the Deputy Imam.

He explained that the selection of Shaikh Muniru did not face any opposition, as extensive consultations and mediation took place.

Shaikh Dr Sharubutu said he therefore did not understand why a matter that had been resolved continued to be a source of violence, describing both leaders as his children whom he expected to show solidarity in the service of Allah and humanity.

He urged the followers of the two leaders at the Ho Central Mosque to be law-abiding and to embrace peace in line with the norms of Islam.

The National Chief Imam therefore appealed to the police to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and to avoid partiality and selective justice in order to promote peace and justice.

Shaikh Dr Sharubutu prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and reminded the factions of the words of Allah which state: “The believers are brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers. And fear Allah, so that you may receive mercy” (Quran 49:10).

The National Chief Imam concluded by praying that “May Allah reconcile the Ummah and bless our homeland Ghana.”