The Ghanaian Minaret

Kumasi – Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana has finally commissioned the reconstructed Kumasi Central Mosque to the joy of Muslims in the Ashanti region.

The 7,000-capacity mosque has 11 furnished offices including offices for Imam and chiefs that can accommodate about 40 people.

It also has a conference hall with an accommodation capacity of 500 persons, 30 underground washrooms, a two-bedroom apartment and an engine room.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, were the special guests that attended the commissioning ceremony.

Also present were a host of other dignitaries including Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Regional Imams, Zango Chiefs as well as clergymen from both Islam and Christian religions.

The ceremony climaxed with the holding of the first Jummah Prayer since reconstruction began in 2020.

Led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Sharubutu, the mosque was filled as many others prayed outside.

Sod cutting for the project was done on October 14, 2020, with the last Jummah prayer held on November 13, 2020.

Dr Bawumia, in his address, said the edifice was a testament to the capability of Ghanaians as a people to do great things for themselves.

He expressed gratitude to Allah for using him as a vessel to rebuild His house(mosque) and urged Muslims to make the proper maintenance of the facility a priority.

He also called on citizens to cherish and maintain peace and tolerance between various religions.

“We want to be the haven of peace and tolerance between the religions across the world and we want Ghana to continue to have that reputation,” he said.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged a committee put in place to manage the facility to look for innovative ways to generate revenue to keep the facility functional.

“Don’t come and say you are looking for money to paint the mosque,” he said.