Solving violence, intolerance in Africa: A Lesson from Ghana

Sheikh Osman Sharubut is 102 and has led Ghana minority Muslim community for 28 years. Credit, BBC

Solving violence, intolerance in Africa: A Lesson from Ghana

Towards his vision to help eradicate sectarian crises often arising from religious intolerance, Ghana’s chief imam, Sheikh Osman Sharubut has donated more than $8,000 (£5,800) to support the construction of a controversial national cathedral.

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The 102-year-old cleric said the gesture was to strengthen peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims.

Sheikh Osman Sharubutu has led Ghana’s minority Muslim community for 28 years. His disposition to inter-religious relations is elemental to Ghana having a history of inter-religious harmony.

His recent donation is regarded as unusual.

The leader of Ghana’s minority Muslim community has said before that he wants to ensure that his legacy is peace.

The BBC reports that two years ago, he attended an Easter Catholic Church service – causing a stir on social media.

It is also reported that the government recently launched an initiative to encourage Ghanaians to donate money towards the construction of the cathedral.

“It is to be built in the capital, Accra, and is expected to cost more than $100m.

The complex, to be completed in 2024, is to include a Bible Museum and a 5,000-seat auditorium.

Although it will be privately funded, many have criticised the project, describing it as a misplaced priority given the current economic climate”, reports the BBC.