Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu is concerned that implementation of protocols accompanying the reopening of worship centres might be difficult for the Muslim community.
This according to him, stems from the fact that, the procedure of worship for Muslims is time bound and fixed.
President Akufo Addo in his tenth (10) address to the nation, Sunday, May 31, on measures taken against the spread of COVID-19 stated that an abridged format for religious services can commence, effective Friday, 5th June, 2020, but with some additional protocols to augment the existing ones.
“Twenty-five percent (25%) attendance with a maximum number of one hundred (100) congregants, can worship at a time in church or at the mosque, with a mandatory one metre rule of social distancing between congregants.”
“With addition to the mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times in churches and mosques, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers and hand washing facilities and sanitisers must be provided, with a maximum duration of one hour for each service.” He added.
Reacting to the news, Sheikh Aremeyaw though lauds the president’s effort, fears the situation, if not addressed critically, might pose challenges for the Muslim community.
“We are going to have difficulty even saying that we are going to have section by section prayer because the time is fixed.”
He believes government should rather properly assess the risk to know, “if it’s proper to lift it completely, then let’s lift it and we then now observe the protocols.”
He is meanwhile optimistic of the best solution if the Religious Affairs Minister invites inputs as to how effectively to handle the situation.
Suraya Alidu Malititi
