Saudis support Grand Mosque Project with ?40,000

Accra, June 7, GNA - Mohammed Reda Abual-Hammayel, Suadi Arabia Ambassador in Ghana, on Tuesday presented a cheque of 40,000 pounds to the National Mosque Management Committee for the first phase of the construction of a Grand Mosque at Kanda.

The Committee, which is headed by Sheikh Usman Nuhu Saharabutu, the National Chief Imam, includes Sheikh Ibrahim Quaye, Greater Regional Minister and Alhaji Gado Mohamed.

Mr Abual Hammayel said the presentation was in response to an appeal made by the Muslim Community in Ghana to the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Saudi Arabia to assist them in the building of a Grand Mosque in Accra.

"We aspire to see this Islamic Mosque as a minaret for Muslims in Accra and other parts of Ghana from which the wonderful word of Allah is spread throughout the Nation," he said.

The Ambassador called on Muslims to see the project as a unifying force for them.

"It is my hope that the Grand Mosque for Accra would be an example of appeal to solidarity, love and co-existence between all Ghanaians," he said.

Mr Abual Hammavel urged the Committee to dedicate themselves to the task ahead and ensure that the funds were used for the purpose for which they were released.

Sheikh Quaye said the money could not have come at a better time "since for the past years most Muslims in the country had been looking forward to where assistance would come from for the successful completion of this Grand Mosque Project". He said it was unfortunate that in 2004 rumours surfaced that the Saudi Government had released money for the project and that he had squandered it. 7 June 05