Islam never frowns at women leaders

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, has added his voice to the call on the flag bearers of the various political parties to appoint qualified females as their running mates for this year’s general election.
He said the Muslim religion did not frown on women taking leading positions and roles in the governance of a country; therefore, he supported the idea of women taking active part and assuming the position of President or Vice-President of the country irrespective of that female’s religion.
Sheikh Sharubutu, who spoke through an interpreter, was sharing his view on the call by sections of society that it was time women took up positions as running mates to the flag bearers of the various political parties in the country.
Some popular female names that have come up include Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Minister of Information, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Director of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and Mrs Leonora Kyeremanteng.
When asked if he would endorse a woman president or vice-president, he noted that currently, a lot of women had acquired great knowledge and training and were making great impact on the lives of other women and society in general, therefore there should not be any objection to them taking up such responsibility.
He noted that the Islamic religion required that people who wanted to assume leadership positions acquire adequate knowledge, and that if the women aspiring to be President or Vice-President were qualified, capable and endorsed by the majority of the people that was all right.
He stated that the Islamic religion considered someone first as Muslim before his or her gender was regarded.
On examples of women who have acquired knowledge, experience and attained higher political positions, Sheikh Sharubutu mentioned female Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State with specific mention of Hajia Mahama, who is a Muslim.
He added that with the current democratic process, the person who would be chosen should be the choice of the people, adding, “You cannot assume a leadership position without the anointment of Allah.”