AMBASSADOR BRIDGEWATER PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON

UNCLAS ACCRA 000741 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/FO AND AF/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV GH SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR BRIDGEWATER PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON GHANA'S CHIEF IMAM 1.(U) Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater paid a farewell call June 9 on Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sarabutu, Ghana's National Chief Imam, and his aides. The meeting provided an opportunity for the participants to reflect on the positive relations between the Embassy and Ghana's Muslim leaders. ¶2. (U) Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater, accompanied by the Acting DCM and POLOFF, met with National Chief Imam Sheikh Nuhu Sarabutu at the Imam's suburban Accra office. The Chief Imam, speaking through an interpreter, described as a "special friendship" his relationship with Ambassador Bridgewater and the Embassy. The Imam thanked the Ambassador for her assistance and attention to Ghana's Muslim community. The Imam noted that the Ambassador never hesitated to invite him and other Muslim leaders to Embassy events, something he clearly appreciated. He said that the relationship with the Embassy strengthened ties between Ghana's Muslim community and the United States and expressed his hope that these ties would continue under Ambassador Bridgewater's successor. The Ambassador thanked the Imam for sharing his sentiments, and answered that strong relations would continue between the Embassy, the Imam and the Muslim community. 3.(SBU) COMMENT. Ghana's Muslim community and the Embassy do enjoy good relations, based on continued contacts and outreach efforts. Embassy staff members seldom experience any hostility from Ghana's Muslim leadership. Ghana's Muslims number about 12% of the total population and include large Sunni, Ahmadiyya and Sufi contingents. The Embassy enjoys warm relations with the entire community through ongoing contact and outreach efforts. The Chief Imam's frequent participation in Embassy events such as Ramadan outreach and the commissioning of the new Embassy reflects support for this partnership at the highest level. COMMENT. BROWN