Ghanaian Muslims in Search of a Representative Institution: The Legacy of Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and Future Prospects

ABSTRACT Often, interreligious and political engagements by religious communities are hampered by internal disunity. This article examines efforts by the Ghanaian Muslim community to establish umbrella bodies to facilitate religious and socio-political engagement on behalf of the national umma. Focus is given to the inter-sectarian Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI) and the role of the National Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. The article first sets out the nature of fragmentation within the Muslim community and the religion– state relational context that inspires the establishment of such multiple bridge-building and advocacy groups. Whereas rapid failure was a prominent feature of previous Muslim councils, the Sheik Sharubutu led ONCI has been relatively successful at mediating intra– and inter-religious dialogue as well as socio- political engagement of Ghanaian Muslims for over three decades since 1989. Whilst highlighting the legacies and success factors of Sheik Sharubutu in this regard, the article also critiques the institutional weaknesses of the ONCI and discusses the feasibility of adopting for the ONCI the structures of a Christian ecumenical body as proposed by some of the Muslim leaders interviewed. The discussion is then broadened to generally examine some essentials for an effective Islamic umbrella body.