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0 The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South of the Oti region, Joseph Awal Antwi, has paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, to formally introduce himself and seek spiritual support for the people of his municipality.
The meeting, held on Saturday, 21st June 2025, at the residence of the revered Islamic leader in Accra, was marked by a deep sense of reverence, humility, and shared purpose. The visit comes at a critical time for Nkwanta South, an area that has experienced intermittent unrest in recent years.
Mr. Awal Antwi, in his address, expressed profound respect for the National Chief Imam and acknowledged the pivotal role religious leaders play in fostering peace and national cohesion.
“Your Eminence, I am honoured to be in your presence today,” the MCE stated. “As the new Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, I felt it was important to formally introduce myself and seek your prayers and blessings. We are committed to promoting peace and development in our municipality, and your spiritual support means a great deal to us,” he said.
He appealed to the Chief Imam to remember Nkwanta South in his prayers, especially given the challenges the area has faced over the years.
“Nkwanta South is a land of great promise, but we have faced some difficulties in recent times. I humbly ask that you continue to intercede for us so that peace and understanding may prevail among our people,” he added.
The National Chief Imam, visibly pleased with the visit, responded with warmth and fatherly counsel. He commended the MCE for his humility and initiative in seeking divine guidance and support from religious and traditional leaders early in his tenure.
“I am touched by your visit, my son,” His Eminence remarked. “The fact that you have come here not merely as a leader but as someone seeking peace for his people is commendable. I will certainly offer prayers for Nkwanta South and ask Allah to bless your leadership with wisdom, patience, and success.”
Sheikh Sharubutu encouraged the MCE to uphold justice, fairness, and inclusiveness in his administration. According to him, leaders who prioritise the welfare of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion, are those who leave behind enduring legacies.
“Continue to lead with a heart of peace and sincerity,” the Chief Imam advised. “When people see fairness, they embrace peace. I will always be here to support any leader who champions harmony and national unity.”
The meeting was attended by a select group of close aides and advisors from the Chief Imam’s office and the MCE’s team, all of whom observed the proceedings with admiration. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more united Ghana.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the MCE expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with one of the country’s most esteemed religious figures.
“I am deeply grateful to His Eminence for receiving me and for his kind words and prayers. I hope this visit marks the beginning of a strong bond between Nkwanta South and the office of the National Chief Imam. I firmly believe that spiritual guidance is vital to sustainable development,” he stated.
The MCE also used the occasion to pledge his readiness to work collaboratively with all religious and traditional leaders in the municipality to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and community development.
“Development can only thrive where there is peace,” he emphasised. “That is why we are prioritising unity in Nkwanta South. We are one people, and we must learn to coexist and work together for the common good.”
The MCE, who assumed office recently, has embarked on a series of stakeholder engagements to introduce himself to key national and regional leaders while articulating his development vision for Nkwanta South.
His visit to the National Chief Imam marks a significant step in building national alliances to support his mission of inclusive governance and grassroots empowerment.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, widely revered for his advocacy of peace and interfaith harmony, has over the years hosted many political, traditional, and religious leaders at his residence.
His blessings are often viewed as spiritual endorsements for initiatives aimed at promoting peace and national development.
