National Chief Imam receives MLK Jr. award for Peace and Social Justice This year's Martin Luther King Jnr Award for Peace and Social Justice has been conferred on the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu. The award is in recognition of his lifelong commitment to promoting peace and mutual understanding, continued provision of guidance and direction on spiritual matters affecting Muslims in Ghana. At the ceremony in Accra, the National Chief Imam was thankful for the award and dedicated it to all religious bodies, calling on all to be advocates of free, transparent and peaceful elections this year. Since 2008, this annual award from the U.S. Embassy has recognized a Ghanaian citizen who exemplifies the spirit of American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968). It honors those who are building a culture of peacemaking, dialogue, and conflict resolution. Ambassador Jackson stated, “Sheikh Sharubutu has demonstrated true leadership—applying compassion, commitment, and honesty in his undertakings.” He added that Sheikh Sharubutu’s convictions, approaches, and actions have contributed greatly to harmony both within Muslim communities and among different faith groups. At the award ceremony, Sheikh Sharubutu said that he is accepting the award on behalf of all Muslims in Ghana. Sheikh Sharubutu is a member of the National Peace Council. He is also the life patron of the Islamic Peace and Security Council, a non-governmental organization that advocates for peace. Biography of the National Chief Imam of Ghana Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu is the National Chief Imam of Ghana, a position he has held since 1993. He was appointed by consensus to succeed his cousin as the spiritual head of Muslims in the country, a position also held by his uncle. Born April 23, 1923, Sheikh Sharubutu studied Islamic jurisprudence and traditional Arabic under his father and uncle in Accra and Kumasi. Sheikh Sharubutu later taught at his father’s Islamic schools in Darkuman, Sukura and the Central Mosque in Accra. As the National Chief Imam, he provides guidance and direction on spiritual matters affecting all Muslims in Ghana. His other responsibilities include fostering unity among Muslims and promoting co-operation between Muslims and other faiths. Sheikh Sharubutu leads weekly and special prayers to commemorate important Muslim events and occasions. Over the years, Sheikh Sharubutu has helped nurture good relations within the Ghanaian Muslim community. He consistently preaches peace and development and has spearheaded the building of mosques and Islamic schools across Ghana. One of his great achievements is the breaking down of sectarian barriers among Muslims in Ghana. Sheikh Sharubutu is the life patron of the Islamic Peace and Security Council, a peace advocacy NGO. He is a member of the National Peace Council and a recipient of the Member of the Order of the Star Award from the Republic of Ghana. Although he was born in Accra, Sheikh Sharubutu’s family is traditionally Hausa from Maiduguri in northern Nigeria. Below is a list of recipients of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Peace and Social Justice: 2016 MLK Award Recipient Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam of Ghana 2015 MLK Award Recipient Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) 2014 MLK Award Recipient Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Head of the National Peace Council and Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana 2013 MLK Award Recipient Ms. Afi Azaratu Yakubu, Executive Director of the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) 2012 MLK Award Recipient Dr. David Abdulai Fuseini, Founder of Shekhinah Clinic in Tamale 2011 MLK Award Recipient Mr. George Achibra, Director of Partners in Community Development Programme (PACODEP) and Touch a Life Foundation 2010 MLK Award Recipient Mrs. Janet Adama Mohammed, Executive Director of Human Rights and Democratization Project 2009 MLK Award Recipient Mrs. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of the Ark Foundation 2008 MLK Award Recipients The Right Reverend Vincent Boi-Nai, Bishop of Yendi; and Alhaji Alhussein, Director of Community Development and Youth Advisory Center (CODEYAC) GBC