IDENTIFYING "CREDIBLE VOICES" IN MUSLIM

S E C R E T ACCRA 001935

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
NOFORN

DEPT FOR IIP/CCTC (VAN DE VELDE)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2017
TAGS: PGOV KISL PTER GH
SUBJECT: IDENTIFYING "CREDIBLE VOICES" IN MUSLIM
COMMUNITIES THAT REJECT VIOLENCE

REF: SECSTATE 122288

Classified By: A/DCM GARY PERGL FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).

(S/NF) In response to reftel, Post has identified the
following &
credible voices8 on Islam in Ghana. Responses are keyed to
the format in reftel:


1. (S/NF) Alhaji Hamidu Borsu Chodi

A) Influence. Chodi influences viewers and listeners via
his radio and TV programs. He also is able to reach a wide
audience through his columns in the two leading Ghanaian
newspapers. Chodi also frequently speaks at forums across
Ghana.

B) Biodata: Chodi was born on November 22, 1954 in Accra.
He earned a diploma in journalism from the Ghana Institute
of Journalism in 1981. From there he obtained a B.A. in
1994 and then a Master,s in Political Science in 2000 from
the University of Ghana. He also holds a certificate in
Human Resource Management. After finishing his studies,
Chodi served as the Head of Audience Research at the Ghana
Broadcasting Company from 2001-2003. In 2004 he was named
Assistant Director of Administration at GBC. In 2006 he
became the Deputy Director of Administration before
assuming his current role as Director of Administration
earlier this year.

C) Geographic Influence: Due to the national coverage of
Chodi,s radio, TV, and newspaper spots, he is able to reach
the entire nation of Ghana. However, since he calls the
Upper West region home, he also wields considerable
influence in that region.

D) Type of audience influenced: Again due to the nature of
Chodi,s work, he has the potential to reach and influence a
wide range of Ghana,s population. His weekly Islamic
television show, Aqeeda, reaches out to both Muslims and
non-Muslims.

A) Any known disagreements and criticisms of US policy: No.

B) Any known record of advocating violence against the U.S.
or its allies: No.

C) Ideological position regarding jihad: Against.

D) Any known derogatory information on individual: No.

E) Any known calls for violence: No.


2. (S/NF) Sheikh Armiyawo

A) Influence. Armiyawo is the Regional Director under the
Islamic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service in
the Greater Accra Region. He is a respected opinion leader
within the Muslim community. He conducts a regular TV Talk
Show on Islam, which has a large audience and airs in seven
of the ten regions in Ghana, as well as on the South
African satellite DSTV. His role in the Islamic Education
Unit allows him to influence the design of curricula in
schools under his supervision.

B) Biodata: Armiyawo was born on January 1, 1957 in Accra.
He studied teaching at a college from 1979 to 1984 and from
1988 to 2000 he studied at the University of Ghana where he
studied religion, eventually earning a Master,s in religion.
In 1996, he was appointed the Deputy Regional Director of
the Islamic Education Unit and held that post until 2003
when he assumed his current role as the Regional Director.

C) Geographic Influence: Due to the wide national and
international coverage of Armiyawo,s TV program, he is able
to reach most citizens in Ghana and even some citizens of
neighboring countries. He preaches most often in a mosque
in Accra and would have the most influence in the Western,
Central and Greater Accra region.

D) Type of audience influenced: Armiyawo,s primary
audiences are Muslims, youths and intellectuals.

A) Any known disagreements and criticisms of US policy: No.

B) Any known record of advocating violence agains the U.S.
or its allies: No.

C) Ideological position regarding jihad: Against.

D) Any known derogatory information on individual: No.

E) Any known calls for violence: No.


3. (S/NF) Major Umar Sanda Ahmed

A) Influence: Ahmed is an Imam with the Ghana Armed Forces
(GAF) and holds moderate views that allow him to reach out
to many people. He is very close to the Chief Imam of Ghan,
Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubut. He has significant potential to
spread and deepen his influence.

B) Biodata: Ahmed was born on May 26, 1957 in the Western
Region of Ghana. He graduated from the University of Ghana
in 1985 where he studied Arabic and Islamic Religious
Studies. The then attended the American University in Cairo
for one year. In 1992 he was commissioned as a Lieutenant
in the GAF, and has served as Imam with the airborne force
in Tamale, the 4th Battalion in Kumasi, and UNIFIL Ghanbatt
43 and 54. Presently he is the Imam at the Military Academy
where he has served since 1999.

C) Geographic Influence: Ahmed,s influence is
nationwide, given that he serves in the GAF with Ghanaians
from every region. He also has roots in the Upper West,
Accra, and Western Regions, providing him with the ability
to potentially influence people of those regions as well.

D) Type of audience influenced: Due to his military
service, Ahmed predominantly influences members of the GAF;
however he does reach out to civilians on occasion in
speeches and television appearances. He is also an active
member of the &Muslim Parliament,8 run out of the National
Imam,s office, which helps set the national agenda for
Ghanaian Muslims.

A) Any known disagreements and criticisms of US policy: No.

B) Any known record of advocating violence against the U.S.
or its allies: No.

C) Ideological position regarding jihad: Against.

D) Any known derogatory information on individual: No.

E) Any known calls for violence: No.


4. (S) COMMENT: During the past several years, Embassy Accra
has conducted an extensive Muslim outreach program. We have
excellent relations with Ghana,s Muslim community, including
these three individuals. While there may be disagreement
with U.S. policies, the Ghanaian Muslim community is
overwhelmingly moderate, peaceful, and sympathetic toward
American values. There is little extremist sentiment among
Ghanaian Muslims, who are well integrated into Ghanaian
society and get along well with their non-Muslim neighbors
and colleagues. Therefore, we would urge caution in
reexamining a formula that has been largely successful, as
misdirected efforts could have the opposite effect to that
intended. END COMMENT.
BRIDGEWATER