The Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has officially handed over the reconstructed Kumasi Central Mosque to the Muslim community in the Ashanti region after it was commissioned on Friday amidst the excitement.
The commissioning was graced by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu, the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and a host of distinguished dignitaries, including ministers, members of parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as top Muslims and Christian clerics.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Vice President Bawumia explained the motivation to undertake the reconstruction project, which was “to the glory of Allah”, and expressed his gratitude to God for giving him the strength and the ability to be able to fund and complete the project.
The vice president also commended the Manhyia Palace and Asantehene for the peaceful coexistence between the Asantehene and the Muslim community, as well as the support Otumfuo Agyemand Prempeh II offered the Muslim community in building the first Kumasi Central Mosque.
He mentioned that, “As history beautifully captures, the Manhyia Palace played an instrumental role in the first Kumasi Central Mosque during the reign of Asantehene Otumfuo Sir Agyemang Prempeh II.”
“This clearly underlines how long-standing the relationship between Asanteman and the Muslim community has been and the extent of support and cooperation the Manhyia Palace in particular has offered.
“The Asante Kingdom, predating the days of Otumfuo Sir Agyemang Prempeh, is documented to have cooperated with Muslims within the Kingdom.” This beautiful tradition has also continued under successive Asantehenes
“The presence of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II today signifies the premium the Asantehene and the Asante Kingdom place on the historic relationship.”
He further urged the Muslim community to use the mosque as a converging point not only for prayers but also to promote greater tolerance and cooperation between Muslims and neighbors of the Christian faith.
“This is our beautiful Ghana, where we tolerate, respect, and support each other as one people. God has blessed our country with peace and unity among is so let us be grateful to him. Let us also continue to uphold the religious tolerance we show, which has endeared our country.”
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended Dr. Bawumia, for the gift he has given to not only the Muslim community but to Asanteman as a whole
He further urged the Muslim community to take good care of the mosque and ensure it is well maintained at all times.
The Muslim community also expressed their joy and appreciation for the reconstructed mosque. They thanked the the vice president and all those who had contributed to the project, saying that the new mosque would provide a safe and comfortable place for worship for generations to come.
