Imams and Muslim leaders have been charged to work towards having functional structures that would include the succession processes of Imams.

Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, a representative of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Shaributu, said such structures would arrest chaos when the need arises to replace an Imam at all stages of the Muslim sects.

This, he said, will epitomize what the Islamic religion stands for at all times - Peace.

He made the remarks at the maiden Conference of Regional Chief Imams of Ghana in the Bono Regional capital of Sunyani, Thursday.

The climax of the three-day conference was under the theme, "The Role of Imams in Development".

It was attended by all the 16 regional Imams, a team from the National Chief Imam’s office, some district Imams, Bono Regional Minister, Chiefs from the Zongos, and other Muslim sects.

Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, who was also the chairman for the closing ceremony, stressed that the world has gone far, and it's important for Muslim leadership to move along with proper organizations and prepare for future eventualities.

He noted that the National Chief Imam is a source of pride for them, and it's up to them to ensure his demise in the future does not end his respect.

"We don't need to wait for an Imam at the ward, district, regional or national to die before we sit to look at who inherits or succeeds him".

"If we start fighting amongst ourselves, touch wood when the National Chief Imams pass on, the revered and unique office of the Imam may be abolished, a situation that may not be in our interest as Muslims", he said.

He further stated that they need to organize themselves well to have a structure and provide a constitution on how to elect National Chief Imams and other Imams, else they will live to regret it.

"So I charge the Imams, this is in your hands because you are the leaders of the Muslim Ummah. Don't allow anybody to take it from your hand. Provide quality leadership. It is time to have a constitution and structures which must be abided by all", Sheikh Ibrahim insisted.

He also told the conference that the National Chief Imam has pledged his readiness to support any move that will bring unity and structures to the Muslim Ummah.

Speaking on challenges facing Imams in contributing to Nation building and the way forward, Sheikh Armiyao Shuib, the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, noted that the Imams need to equip themselves with the necessary abilities and skills to be able to contribute their quota.

While enumerating the many functions of an Imam in a Muslim community, including promoting peace, solidarity, discipline, Sheikh Armiyao Shuib also noted that challenges confronting the effective discharge of roles must be addressed. 

The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, on her part, acknowledged the key role Imams play in the development of the country.

The Imams, the minister said, inspire the youth to be hardworking, peaceful in pursuit and also inculcate in them the correct understanding of Islam in the hope that they will not fall prey to misguided teachings to ruin the peace and development being enjoyed.

She, however, pleaded with the Imams to emulate the life and values of the National Chief Imam, whom she described as the "Mansa Musa of our generation".