On October 5, 2024, the High Council of Adentan Municipal Zongo and Tribal Chiefs conducted a courtesy visit to Dr. Tamim Abdul Wahab Abdul Kareem, the Ground Mufti of the Adentan Municipality. The purpose of this visit was primarily to introduce Sheikh Mohammed Abubakar Mutawakil, the new Adentan Municipal Chief Imam, to the Mufti, furthering their collective goal of promoting unity and development within the Greater Accra Region. Chief Muhammad Sani Nacambo, the Chairman of the High Council, emphasized the significance of the Mufti’s role in fostering Islamic teachings and social cohesion in the community. He lauded the Mufti’s contributions, stating that his influence encourages a peaceful coexistence among various groups within Adentan.
Chief Nacambo praised the Mufti’s character, comparing him to the National Chief Imam, as both share qualities of humility, kindness, and dedication to their faith. He noted that such traits have not only drawn respect from the Muslim community but have also fostered goodwill among different religious denominations in the municipality. This respect underscores the importance of having a dignified leader like the Mufti who can bridge divides and promote understanding in a diverse community. As a call to action, Nacambo encouraged the new Chief Imam to collaborate with the Mufti and local youth organizations to establish the Ashaley Botwe Council of Ulama. This initiative aims to unite tribal Imams under a single umbrella to enhance cooperation and promote unity in religious duties.
In response, Sheikh Mohammed Abubakar Mutawakil acknowledged the immense value that Dr. Tamim Abdul Wahab Abdul Kareem brings to the Adentan community. The Chief Imam conveyed his gratitude, indicating that the Mufti’s mentorship had significantly shaped his educational journey, including guiding him through his Master’s in Islamic Literature. Their relationship highlights the importance of strong leadership within the Islamic community, which Mutawakil emphasized is essential for fostering a united front. He recognized the mutual support and shared responsibilities between the Imam and the Mufti and pledged to work collaboratively to achieve common objectives.
During his remarks, the Mufti expressed sincere appreciation for the visit from the High Council, praising their dedication to leadership within the municipality. He reiterated the importance of unity among local chiefs as a catalyst for enhanced development, urging them to prioritize inclusivity over discrimination among tribes and religious groups. The Mufti’s call for unity also encompasses wider goals of interfaith dialogue, which he deemed essential for cultivating religious tolerance in Adentan. His vision extends beyond merely Islamic concerns to encompass the broader community development, emphasizing that togetherness is crucial for overall societal progress.
The meeting not only served to strengthen ties between the religious leaders but also highlighted the notion of collective leadership as a driving force for positive change. The Mufti’s acknowledgment of the Chief Imam’s efforts in promoting community welfare and Islam underlined the significance of cooperation among spiritual leaders. He reminded the Chief Imam of the responsibilities he holds and the impact his leadership can have on the community’s cohesion and understanding of Islam. This dialogue between the leaders signifies a collaborative approach to addressing the spiritual and social needs of their constituents.
Furthering their agenda of unity, the High Council extended their outreach by visiting Sheikh Imam Ali, a notable leader within the Tijaniya sect. This visit reflects the Council’s commitment to fostering a collective identity among the diverse Islamic sects in Ashaley Botwe. By visiting various leaders, the High Council aims to solidify alliances and nurture a spirit of fraternity among different sects, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and shared goals in the path toward societal harmony. Such initiatives exemplify how leadership in the Adentan Municipality strives to transcend tribal and sectarian divisions to build a stronger, united community reflective of shared values and mutual respect.
