Sheikh Dr Usumanu Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam, has called on Imams and leaders of Muslim communities to caution members of their congregation against possible infiltration of ideologies of extremist groups.

He said the extremist groups use all available means, including the social media, to extend frontiers of their operations by attracting more support and following.

The National Chief Imam said beyond caution, the Imams must also use sermons to encourage members of their congregation to be watchful of ideologies of extremist groups like Al Qa’eda or Boko Haram.

In a release issued to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday in Accra, Sheikh Sharubutu said in view of the increasing menace of the so-called Muslim extremists in affected countries, it has become important to heighten national security and peace.

He said this, however, should be carried out without malice to foreigners who are in Ghana for genuine reasons.

“It is my firm belief and conviction that, Islam is a global faith that has come with a mission of hope for peace and compassion for humanity. But I also believe that to make this claim real and meaningful among humans, it should be backed by concrete actions through which peace and harmony could be made the common and shared experience of all,” the statement said in part.

Sheikh Sharubutu observed that religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence are both major ingredients in the promotion and maintenance of peace in Ghana.

He urged Imams at all levels to dedicate most of their sermons in the coming months to the message of peace and compassion to effectively guide and direct the minds and spirits of Muslims to actions, attitudes and behaviours that are consistent with the Islamic mission of peace.

He expressed appreciation to President John Mahama and the Chairman of the National Peace Council for managing the recent misunderstanding between Christian missions and the Muslim community on the issue of religious freedom, human rights and discrimination in public educational institutions and public workplaces.