Chief Imam gives President Mahama a thumbs up after Hajj performance

The Chief Imam’s Endorsement

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, didn’t hold back his praise during the Eid al-Adha celebrations in Accra on Wednesday, May 27. He singled out President John Dramani Mahama for his performance since the inauguration in January 2025. It’s not every day a spiritual leader of his standing gives such a direct nod to a sitting head of state. The Imam’s spokesperson made it clear that the current administration’s trajectory is meeting the approval of the Muslim community.

"On the international stage, the Chief Imam says you have really indicated that you are a true African who fights for all people across the world and also fights against injustice."

Programs Catching Public Attention

The praise centered on four key pillars of the administration’s policy agenda. First is the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a scheme designed to bridge the gap in healthcare funding for the vulnerable. Then there is the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, which aims to take the burden of basic clinic fees off the shoulders of the ordinary Ghanaian. The Imam also referenced the government’s ongoing transatlantic slave trade talks, an initiative aimed at reclaiming historical narratives and boosting cultural tourism. The e-visa policy received a mention for making the process of entering the country less of a paperwork nightmare.

This improvement reduces bureaucratic delays and encourages more international visitors to travel to Ghana with ease.

A Seamless Pilgrimage

Beyond the policy shifts, the logistics of the 2026 Hajj season earned the most glowing review of the day. Coordinating the travel of 6,000 Ghanaian Muslims to Mecca is no small task. The process was described by the Imam as one of the most organized efforts in recent history. Pilgrims have been echoing this sentiment on social media, noting that the usual "airport drama" that marks these departures was noticeably absent this year. Efficiency in the public sector is often a sore point for many.

When a government-led operation works well, people notice the progress.

The Path to Political Stability

Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu has long served as a moral compass for the country, and his words carry weight beyond the mosque. By highlighting the government’s commitment to citizen welfare, he’s effectively giving the President a tailwind for his future projects. The contrast here is sharp. Previous administrations often struggled with the Hajj logistics, which led to annual public outcry and frustration.

This year, the silence from the usual critics suggests the government did its homework correctly. The government’s successful management of this event demonstrates a newfound capacity for large-scale logistical competence.