His Eminence, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam has with the approval of the king and decision makers in Madina Kaolakh, Senegal, confirmed Sheikh Abdul Wadud Haruna as the National President of TIJJANIYA in Ghana.

A statement signed by Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, the Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said the appointment and certificate of honour was presented to Sheikh Abdul Wadud at the just ended 47th Annual Mawlid of Sheikh Adbdul Wadud Haruna in Kumasi.

It said, with the new appointment, Sheikh Abdul Wadud would be called the “Zaeem” of Tijjaniya Sufi Sect in Ghana.

The statement said the decision to appoint Sheikh Abdul Wadud emanated from Madina Kaolakh, Senegal, in consultation with the National Chief Imam of Ghana, who is the Grand Successor of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass in Ghana and the Spiritual Leader of the Tijjaniya in Ghana.

Speaking at the ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama commended Sheikh Abdul Wadud for his new role and urged leadership of the Muslim community to continue praying for Ghana to get out of its numerous challenges.

He applauded the cordial and friendly relationship between the various religious leaders and their followers, assuring that, he would do everything possible to cement religious tolerance in the country.

President Mahama entreated all prospective pilgrims to Mecca to do well and pay their fares on time to avoid any disappointment.

He commended the current Chairman of the National Hajj Board, Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko for successfully organizing two Hajj pilgrims.

Prior to his appointment, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Haruna was the regional leader of Tijjaniya in Ashanti region with many accomplishments, such as the donation of a 12 acre land for the construction of the Tijjaniya Senior High School and another six acre land at Koforidua in the Eastern region for the construction of the Tijjaniya University College of Ghana, among many others.

Sheikh Abdul Wadud, in his acceptance speech, thanked the National Chief Imam for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Tijjaniya Sufi Sect, adding that, he would explore all avenues to bring on board good and competent people to restore the good image of the Tijjaniya Sufi Sect.

He appealed to all Tijjaniya followers and Muslims in general to contribute to the development of Islam and live by example to exhibit to the world the good teachings and practices of Islam contrary to the extremists view and proclamation.

He promised to bring development to the Tijjaniya community by building a university college, teacher training colleges, clinics and many senior high schools.

Sheikh Tijjani Aliyu Cise, the Grand Imam of Tijjaniya worldwide, entreated all to follow and adhere to their leaders, adding that, the appointment of Sheikh Abdul Wadud was in order, as he had served his people very well, especially the poor and needy in society.

The occasion was also used to confirm Alhaji Tanko Salga, a resident of Winneba, as the Traditional Tijjaniya Chief, Alhaji Abdul Salam Abubakar as Governor of Faila, Sheikh A. M. Marzuk, a lecturer, as the new Communications Director, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi, Chief Executive Officer of Al Zulpha Company Limited as the National Coordinator of Tijjaniya and Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, as the new Executive Secretary of Tijjaniya.