The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia, has pledged to renovate the Abossey Okai Central Mosque.

He said the intent for renovating the facility was to thank Allah for granting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) victory in the just-ended general election.

He made the pledge when he addressed a Muslim congregation at an Islamic Thanksgiving ceremony held on Friday at the Abossey Okai central mosque in Accra. 

Dr. Bawumia prayed for peace and called on citizens to unite and embrace diversity so as to promote harmonious coexistence.

The ceremony held under the guidance of the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu was climaxed with the recitation of the Quran to beseech the blessing of God for the country.

In attendance was the newly elected President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who expressed gratitude to the National Chief Imam for his exemplary role in sustaining peace.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Sharubutu, encouraged Ghanaians to be grateful to Allah by proclaiming the favours and blessings God has bestowed on the country.

“If you show him gratitude, he will increase his favours. He has made it possible for persons of different religions to sit at the table and have tea. Meanwhile, it is not so in other countries,” he said.

He urged Ghanaians to let cases of instability in neighbouring countries serve as a motivation to guard the peace and stability prevailing in the country.

He thanked Dr. Bawumia for the gesture and said it was people of faith who keep the house of Allah (mosque) alive.

“He is going to have his share of reward as long as people continue to benefit from his good gesture,” he said.

Prior to the completion and commissioning of the Ghana National Mosque at Kanda on Friday, July 16, 2021, the Abossey Okai mosque had been the designated national mosque where the National Chief Imam had his office, held Jummah prayers as well as annual exegesis of the Quran (Tafseer) during the month of Ramadan. 

Construction of the Abossey Okai Central Mosque started on November 9, 1969, with Mr. Bawa Andani Yakubu, the then Inspector General of Police, cutting sod for the project at a ceremony that was witnessed by Alhaji Muhammed Abbass, the Chief Imam of Accra; Alhaji Maman Shardow Kudos, Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Community; and Alhaji Saluhu Maikankan, Chairman of the building committee.