By Sadat Dabo 

Sheikh Ibrahim Barsha, the newly appointed Interim National Imam of Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a (ASWAJ) Ghana, has called on members of the Islamic association to remain calm, embrace peace and avoid divisive actions as the organisation navigates a critical leadership transition

In his acceptance speech on Friday November 6, 2026, following his appointment by the National Da’wa Council (NADAC) on Thursday November 5, 2026, Sheikh Barsha appealed to members, national and regional officers, scholars and stakeholders to prioritise unity, mutual respect and institutional stability

He described his appointment as a responsibility entrusted to him by Almighty Allah, expressing gratitude to NADAC for the confidence reposed in him

Sheikh Barsha said he accepted the interim leadership role with humility and a deep sense of duty, acknowledging the challenges associated with leading the association during what he described as an important period in its history

“My immediate priority will be to promote unity, preserve institutional stability, strengthen our administrative structures and ensure continuity in the affairs of the Association,” he stated

Interim Imam Urges Members to Avoid Divisive Actions

Addressing concerns surrounding the leadership transition, Sheikh Barsha urged members of ASWAJ to exercise patience, maturity and restraint, emphasising the need for strict adherence to the association’s constitution

He cautioned against divisive comments and actions that could undermine the unity of the Islamic organisation, stressing that the transition requires collective commitment and cooperation

The Interim National Imam also assured members of his determination to discharge his mandate with fairness, transparency, consultation and respect for established constitutional processes

His appeal comes at a crucial time when the association is expected to work towards reconciliation and the restoration of stability within its leadership structures

Four-Point Roadmap for ASWAJ Transition

Sheikh Barsha outlined a four-point transition roadmap aimed at ensuring a smooth and peaceful administration of the association

The roadmap includes ensuring continuity in the association’s administrative activities, engaging national and regional officers as well as scholars to promote reconciliation, strengthening institutional records and administrative structures, and working closely with NADAC to facilitate the constitutional processes for the selection or election of a substantive National Imam

He said the process would be undertaken with fairness, inclusiveness and a commitment to the collective interest of ASWAJ

Calls for Collective Responsibility

The Interim National Imam further called on ASWAJ members in Ghana and beyond to support NADAC and the association’s leadership in safeguarding unity, strengthening Da’awa activities and advancing the religious values upon which the organisation was established

He emphasised that the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability should not be left to the interim leadership alone but requires the active participation of every member

Sheikh Barsha concluded his acceptance speech with a prayer for Allah to heal divisions, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and grant the association wisdom to move forward in peace

He expressed hope that the transitional period would become an opportunity for renewed commitment, reconciliation, progress and lasting stability within Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a

Background 

The appointment of Sheikh Ibrahim Barsha as the Interim National Imam of Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a (ASWAJ) Ghana follows a major leadership development within the Islamic association, after the National Da’wa Council (NADAC) removed the former National Imam, Sheikh Umar Ibrahim Imam, from office

On November 4, 2026, NADAC declared the office of the National Imam vacant following a vote of no confidence in Sheikh Umar Ibrahim Imam

The Council said the decision was taken in accordance with Article 11(3) of the ASWAJ Constitution, which provides for the removal of the National Imam through a vote of no confidence supported by at least two-thirds of the council or committee that elected him. According to the resolution, 21 members voted in favour of the motion, while four members were absent

The removal followed allegations of constitutional violations and misconduct against the former National Imam. NADAC indicated that Sheikh Umar had been formally notified of the allegations on October 18, 2026, and given until October 27 to respond. The Council, however, stated that it had not received a formal written response or verbal communication from his office by the time the resolution was adopted

Subsequently, on November 5, 2026, NADAC announced the appointment of Sheikh Ibrahim Baasha, the Northern Regional Imam and a founding member of ASWAJ, as Interim National Imam

The appointment was intended to ensure administrative continuity, maintain institutional stability and facilitate a smooth leadership transition pending the appropriate constitutional processes for the selection or election of a substantive National Imam

The leadership transition has also brought attention to the constitutional succession arrangements within ASWAJ, particularly the roles of the First and Second Deputy National Imams. NADAC’s interim appointment has prompted questions about the interpretation of the association’s constitutional provisions governing succession following the removal of an incumbent

Against this backdrop, Sheikh Ibrahim Barsha, in his acceptance speech, has made peace, reconciliation, unity and constitutional adherence central to his interim leadership agenda, urging members of ASWAJ in Ghana and beyond to remain calm and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions within the association

The interim leadership is therefore expected to steer ASWAJ through a sensitive transitional period while working towards reconciliation, institutional stability and the eventual selection of a substantive National Imam

Source – gbcuraonline.com