Coronavirus: Chief Imam refusing to shake hands – Spokesperson

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, is leading the charge in adherence to precautions issued in the wake of the outbreak of the Corona Virus and 11 recorded cases in Ghana.

MyNewsGh.com has gathered that the National Chief Imam, aside prevailing upon the Muslim community in Ghana to adhere to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s directives on the fight against the COVID-19, is strictly observing hygiene protocols and social distance to keep himself safe from a possible contraction of the virus.

Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam Sheik Aremeyaw Shaibu in an interview on The PM Show on Bolgatanga-based Yem Radio disclosed that the Chief Imam has not only accepted and implemented the Presidential directives, but also is personally taking his safety seriously.

According to him, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu washes his hands regularly, uses hand sanitizer and has since refused to shake anyone in the hand.

“Chief Imam has understood everything and he at a personal level is observing the directives strictly. We have observed him this morning and I was with him when he was using hand sanitizer and he is refusing to shake hands with people. He himself is leading the way to suspend daily congregational prayers and the Jummah prayer,” the spokesperson said.

He further noted that the Chief Imam would not be attending and to lead the Friday Jummah prayer adding that “the central mosque is under lock”.

The Chief Imam, at a press conference on Monday, indicated there would be no Muslim congregational prayers and called on Muslims to pray in their respective homes.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday, March 15, 2020, announced a decision to ban public gatherings and close down schools as part of efforts to check the spread of COVID-19 in the country.