In a historic and peaceful election held at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra, the Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a (ASWAJ) Ghana has successfully filled its long-vacant deputy leadership positions, signalling a powerful new chapter of unity and progress for the prominent Islamic organisation.

Sheikh Mohammed Kamil Mohammed, whose previous disagreement with the National Imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Umar, had left the roles vacant for years, was elected as the First Deputy National Imam.

In a remarkable show of consensus, he received a unanimous endorsement, polling 22 out of 22 votes in a yes-or-no ballot conducted by the National Representative Congress, ASWAJ's highest decision-making body.

The position of Second Deputy National Imam was also filled, with Sheikh Amin Osman securing the role after garnering 18 out of 22 votes in a contest against Sheikh Salman Alhassan.

The significant event, which saw the participation of regional Imams from all 16 regions, was conducted under the watchful supervision of COP Iddi Seidu, the Director General in charge of Welfare at the Ghana Police Service.

The presence of police and military personnel ensured a secure and orderly environment for the pivotal election.

In his first address following his election, the newly appointed First Deputy Imam, Sheikh Mohammed Kamil Mohammed, extended a heartfelt call for unity.

He urged all members to come together to uplift the image of the sect, emphasising a forward-looking agenda focused on tangible developmental projects.

"We must embark on key developmental projects, particularly in education and the welfare of our youth," Sheikh Kamil stated. "I call on the youth to give maximum respect and support to their leaders, and I equally urge our leaders to carry the young along. This synergy is essential for achieving our collective goals."

Echoing this commitment to future generations, the newly elected Second Deputy Imam, Sheikh Amin Osman, pledged to leverage his office and experience to champion youth development.

"My focus will be on championing the education and developmental progress of our youth," Sheikh Osman said. "I plan to bring together experts who will help us design and implement the best structures to achieve this critical objective."

COP Iddi Seidu, who supervised the proceedings, commended the participants for their peaceful and cooperative conduct. He then shifted the conversation to a pressing national issue, admonishing the religious leaders to use their influential platforms.

"I urge you to preach against the abuse of drugs by the youth, as well as the sale of these substances by prominent individuals within our Muslim communities," COP Seidu stated. "If concrete measures are not taken to curb drug trafficking and its usage, the future of our youth and our communities will be blurry."

The successful resolution of the leadership fracas and the election of the new deputies have been widely hailed as a "new dawn of hope and expectation" for ASWAJ. Members are optimistic that the renewed corporation between the National Imam and his two deputies will inject fresh energy into the organization, using the challenges of the past as a catalyst for a unified and progressive forward march.