A multi-billion cedi mega edifice has been built and commissioned to serve as the Central Mosque at Bekwai in the Bekwai Municipality.

The 2,600-capacity edifice, christened Masjid Rahmat (Peace) Mosque, was solely financed by Dr. Ibrahim Rashard, a US-based IT expert, on behalf of the Rashard family of Bekwai, in honour of their late parents, Salifu Kaitu Rashard and Rahmat Rashard.

Their parents are said to have mooted the idea of the construction of a mosque where Muslims could converge, and worship and enhance the Islamic faith if Allah endowed their children with financial breakthrough.

The Council of Zongo Chiefs and Zongo Youth of Bekwai expressed their appreciation for the gift of a Mosque through the presentation of certificates and citation, while a joyous Muslim community sang praises to the Rashard family for their benevolence.

Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, National Chief Imam, cut the tape to declare the imposing monument commissioned last Sunday, ahead of the Ramadan festival.

Alhaji Umar Farouk Saeed, Sarkin Zongo of Kumasi, said for a valuable asset (mosque) as donated by the Rashard family, all they needed from the Muslim community was a culture of maintenance for the sustainability and preservation of the building and all the added materials that make the place conducive for worship.

He said by the wonderful gesture, the Rashard family had paid their dues as sincere and dedicated Muslims and worshippers worthy of emulation.

Alhaji Nuhu, Sarkin Zongo of Bekwai, who commended the Rashard family for the legacy of a mosque, noted that the building was a challenge for the beneficiary Muslims to grow their faith in Islam.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Eric Opoku, who stood in for the President, thanked  the Rashard family for their contribution to the growth of Islam, which, he explained to mean peace , hope and humility, and said the government and the good people of Ghana were looking up to Muslims for the prevalence of peace in the country.

Baffuor Asabre Kogyawoasu Ababio, Nsumakwahene of Kumasi, represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the commissioning of the mosque, which ceremony was also witnessed by Nana Karikari Appau II, Omanhene of Bekwai, who was widely acclaimed to have played a key role in the release of the land area for the place of worship.

Also present were Joe Osei-Owusu, Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Mr. Noah Asante, Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive, the Regional Chief Imam, Nana Adwoa Pinamang II, Queenmother of the Bekwai Traditional Area, Nana Afua Amponsah I, Queenmother of Adankrangya, Nana Afua Afriyie III, Amoafomanhemaa, Mr. Yaw Obimpe, Ashanti Regional NDC chairman, as well as Alhaji Mush Mohammed, Sarkin Hausa of Lagos.

Meanwhile, three new Imams, Mallam Mohammed Adam, Mallam Yusif Saeed Abdallah and Mallam Mohammed, have been installed by the Ashanti Regional Imam to lead the Muslim sect at the new mosque.

They would replace the aged Sheikh Abdulai Saeed, who has served as the Chief Imam of Bekwai for 41 years.

thechronicle.com.gh