Sheikh Ibrahim Barsha appointed interim National Imam of ASWAJ

Sheikh Ibrahim Barsha has been officially appointed as the Interim National Imam of Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a (ASWAJ) following the removal of the previous leader, Sheikh Umar Ibrahim Imam. The announcement was made to the congregation following Jumu’ah prayers at Masjid Al Bayan in Tamale, marking a critical leadership transition for one of Ghana's most prominent Sunni Muslim organizations. The move is intended to provide a steady hand for the movement as it navigates internal changes.

Sheikh Barsha, a respected figure in the Islamic community, is best known for founding the Nuriyya Islamic Institute and his extensive work in pioneering educational reforms across the country. In his acceptance speech, he described leadership as a sacred trust and a heavy responsibility. He called on the ASWAJ membership to remain calm and unified, stressing that the success of the organization depends on collective responsibility rather than individual effort. He urged followers to prioritize the movement's spiritual and social goals above personal or factional interests.

To guide the organization through this transitional period, Sheikh Barsha introduced a four-pillar roadmap focused on fairness and inclusiveness. This strategy is designed to stabilize the organization’s administration and address any grievances that may have arisen during the recent leadership change. By emphasizing transparent governance and inclusive decision-making, the interim imam aims to foster a spirit of cooperation among the regional branches and the national executive body.

The appointment serves as a temporary measure while the organization prepares for a formal electoral process to select a permanent National Imam. During this time, Sheikh Barsha will oversee the day-to-day spiritual and administrative affairs of ASWAJ, ensuring that its educational and religious programs continue without interruption. The focus for the coming months will be on institutional strengthening and preparing the ground for a transparent transition to a permanent leadership structure.