Ghana Muslim Welfare Centre responds to Ghana's darkest hour; hearts heavy, souls united

Yesterday, as the sun set over London, the Ghana Muslim Welfare Centre became a sanctuary of collective grief, where tears mingled with prayers and broken hearts found solace in shared faith. The tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight precious Ghanaian lives has left our beloved motherland bleeding, and we, her children scattered across the diaspora, gathered to offer what we could – our prayers, our tears, and our unwavering solidarity.

The weight of loss pressed heavily upon every soul present at Seven Sisters Masjid as we performed Salatul Gha-ib after Jumu'ah prayers, followed by heartfelt supplications after Asr. As Imam Abdul Razak led the prayers, his voice carried the collective pain of a nation.

Each "Allahu Akbar" resonated with the anguish of mothers who will never again embrace their sons, wives who will sleep alone, and children who must grow up without their fathers' guidance. The silence between prayers was deafening – filled with unuttered grief, unspoken fears, and unshakeable faith in Allah's wisdom.

We prayed fervently for Allah's infinite mercy upon these departed souls, beseeching the Almighty to grant them Jannatul Firdaus – the highest level of Paradise reserved for the righteous. We supplicated for strength for their grieving families, for comfort in their darkest hours, and for patience to bear this unbearable loss. But our prayers extended beyond the departed. We lifted our voices asking Allah to envelope our nation in His protective embrace during this trial. We prayed for divine wisdom to guide our remaining leaders, for unity among our people, and for healing for our wounded homeland.

Among the eight souls called back to their Creator were pillars of our nation: Dr Edward Omane Boamah, our defence minister whose dedication to Ghana's security was unquestionable; Honourable Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, our Environment, Science and Technology minister who championed progress with unwavering conviction; and Alhaji Muniru Limuna, our National Security Coordinator whose vigilance protected our homeland. Their names echo in our hearts like a litany of service, sacrifice, and love for Ghana. They were fathers, brothers, sons, and servants of Allah who dedicated their lives to lifting our nation higher.

The helicopter crash has torn a gaping hole in Ghana's heart, removing leaders who were instrumental in shaping our nation’s future. Dr Omane Boamah's commitment and strategic vision for national defence, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed's moral guidance and environmental stewardship, and Alhaji Limuna's security expertise – these contributions cannot be replaced, only remembered and honoured.

The mosque walls witnessed something extraordinary yesterday – a unity that transcended political boundaries. Members from all political parties stood shoulder to shoulder, their usual differences dissolved in shared sorrow. The Zongo Caucus of NDC was fully represented, the NPP members joined hands in prayer, their presence a testament to how grief unites us beyond partisan lines, while Ghanaians from across the UK and Ireland travelled to be present in this moment of national mourning.

Our special guests honoured us with their presence: Imam Hussein of Ghana Islamic University at Cambridge University for a programme, but made time to participate; his wisdom guided our supplications, and the distinguished Chief of Dogombas in the UK, Alhaji Ibrahim Sunday, whose attendance blessed our gathering. Their presence reminded us that in times of profound loss, community becomes our strength, and faith becomes our anchor.

The leadership of the community, including Wazirin UK Alhaji Masahud, Sarkin Fada Alhaji Baban Yara, Alhaji Sanusi Marafa, Sarkin Zongo of Europe, shared that the doors of the centre are always open to fellow Ghanaians worldwide who may be struggling with this profound loss. They said no one is alone in this grief. They added that the Ghana Muslim Welfare Centre stands ready to provide spiritual and emotional support during these trying times. Our doors remain open, our prayers continue, and our commitment to our Motherland remains unshakeable.

As we dispersed from the mosque, carrying heavy hearts but lighter souls, we were reminded that death is the ultimate equaliser – it respects no title, acknowledges no achievement, and bows to no earthly power. Yet in our Islamic faith, we find comfort knowing that those who serve humanity with sincerity and dedicate their lives to justice are never truly gone.

"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" – Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

May Allah grant our departed leaders eternal peace, comfort their families, heal our nation, and guide Ghana through this valley of shadows toward brighter days ahead.