National Chief Imam drives support for local businesses

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has called for support for local businesses such as the Kantanka Group of Companies to boost national development.

He noted that even though such companies were doing well, they still needed the support of the government and other stakeholders to propel them to greater heights to create more jobs and accelerate economic growth.

The Chief Imam made the call when he received a delegation from the Kantanka Group of Companies, led by Mr Kwadwo Safo Jnr, the son of the Leader and Founder of the Kristo Asafo Church and owner of the group, Dr Apostle Kwadwo Safo, at the Chief Imam’s residence in Accra yesterday.

Donation

The group donated items worth GH¢80,000 for the centenary celebration of the Chief Imam, who turned 100 on April 13, 2019.

They included 20 bags of sugar, 50 cartons each of milk and Milo, 50 bags of rice, 30 half pieces of cloth, two rams and an undisclosed amount of money.

Tolerance

As an advocate for religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence, Sheikh Sharubutu reminded Muslims and Christians of the fact that they were both descendants of two people, Adam and Eve, and, therefore, there was no need for any conflict among their followers.

“Muslims and Christians are of the same descendants, Adam and Eve, and, therefore, our diversity in terms of religion should not be a platform for strife,” he said.

The Chief Imam further admonished the various religious groupings in the country to be tolerant of one a nother and endeavour to live in peace and harmony.

He said his outfit had set up an educational endowment fund for needy children of all faiths and affiliations and an Islamic Peace and Security Council to build a strong bond with other religious faiths.

He commended Dr Apostle Safo for his role in advocating religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence, which he said was critical to national peace, tranquillity and development.

Appreciation

Sheikh Sharubutu expressed appreciation to his benefactors for the gesture and prayed for Allah’s blessings on Dr Apostle Safo, his family, church and workers.

He said such philanthropic gestures were in line with the tenets of both Islam and Christianity.

The Chief Imam also commended Dr Apostle Safo for his inventions and for empowering people, particularly the youth, with technological and innovative skills.

In response, Mr Safo Jnr expressed appreciation to Sheikh Sharubutu for his exemplary leadership and immense role in promoting religious tolerance for national peace and stability.

“We are ready to collaborate with you to deepen efforts at religious tolerance and co-existence, together with other religious leaders and stakeholders,” he added.

According to him, his father started his church activities in a house that belonged to a Muslim, saying: “That is the way it should be; we are all one people, descendants of Adam and Eve, and so religion should not divide us in any way.”

Writer’s email Doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh