Let's end this flagrant culture of impunity - Chief Imam

Accra, Dec. 19, GNA - Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam, on Wednesday publicly endorsed the government's decision to order an investigation to unravel circumstances that led to this year's Ghanaian pilgrims stranded in Accra for nearly two weeks. It took the intervention of President John Agyekum Kufuor not only to secure chartered flights to airlift the Muslims making the Hajj, but also an extension of the deadline for their arrival at the Jeddah Airport.

The Hajj is one of the most important pillars of Islam but its poor organisation has become annual ritual in the country. Sheikh Sharabutu, addressing the national celebration of the Eid-Ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice at the Independence Square in Accra, said an official investigation should help to bring to an end the "flagrant culture of impunity", that had characterised the management of the Hajj in Ghana.

He said it was about time the fear of God was allowed to take firm hold in the way the Hajj was managed. The National Chief Imam conveyed the gratitude of the Muslim community to the Government for its prompt response and interventions in the wake of what he termed, "the embarrassing Hajj affair." The 2007 pilgrims, he said, "would eternally remain grateful to President Kufuor and the Government for this". Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of the Interior who represented President Kufuor at the celebration, appealed to Muslims to continue to pray and work towards ensuring that the 2008 general elections were peaceful, free and fair. "As you reflect on the fortunes of the nation on this special day, and as you enter the New Year, he wishes all of us to pray for peace and quiet lives as individuals and families, and also pray and work towards free, fair and peaceful elections in 2008." He re-affirmed the Government's determination to make sure that the polls were transparent and held in a peaceful atmosphere. Mr Bartels also drew attention to the need for all Ghanaians to contribute to make the upcoming African Cup of Nations Tournament, Ghana 2008, a big success. He said it was a unique opportunity to showcase to the world the best of everything that Ghana has to offer to attract investments to all sectors of the economy. The Muslims said special prayers for the political leadership, peace and progress of the nation.