President Mahama appoints Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen as Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey

Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen

President John Dramani Mahama has named Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen, a respected Muslim cleric, pharmacist, and humanitarian, as Ghana’s new Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey.

The appointment, confirmed in a letter signed by Presidential Secretary Dr. Callistus Mahama, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s diplomatic strategy to deepen economic and cultural ties with Ankara.

Sheikh Nasiru-Deen, who has cultivated enduring links across Turkey’s political, educational, and religious institutions since the late 1990s, is expected to bring both experience and influence to the role.

A Lifelong Bridge Between Ghana and Turkey

Born in Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region, Sheikh Nasiru-Deen studied pharmacy at Ankara University after completing Turkish language studies at Gazi University. Fluent in Turkish, Arabic, English, Hausa, Twi, Dagbani, and Mosi, he has used his language skills and cross-cultural insight to build strong bonds between the two countries over the years.

His decades of work in Turkey and Ghana have not only made him a familiar face in diplomatic and business circles but also positioned him as a grassroots figure capable of leveraging relationships for bilateral development.

Championing Humanitarian and Educational Causes

Among his most notable achievements is his role in securing Turkish backing for the construction of the Ghana National Mosque Complex — a landmark project that has become a symbol of unity and interfaith cooperation. As Chairman of the Management Committee since 2020, Sheikh Nasiru-Deen has overseen its growth into one of West Africa’s most iconic Islamic centres.

Through his Paragon Foundation and Fatima Farida Group of Schools, he has promoted education and social welfare, bringing essential services to underserved communities. Under his leadership, over 300 boreholes have been constructed, and more than 100,000 Ghanaians receive food support during Eid each year.

He also serves as Founding Director of Tiwnikli International School and plays a leading role in HUDAI, a Turkish-affiliated NGO working in Ghana.

Forging Diplomatic and Developmental Ties

Sheikh Nasiru-Deen has long been a behind-the-scenes force in shaping Ghana-Turkey relations. In 2012, he independently facilitated a high-level Ghanaian delegation visit to Turkey, arranging meetings with senior Turkish officials, including the president. His engagements with institutions such as the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, TIKA, and Turkish universities have brought hundreds of scholarships and training opportunities to Ghanaian students and professionals.

Notably, he served as the official interpreter during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2016 state visit to Ghana, a testament to his trustworthiness and stature.

Praise Across the Spectrum
News of his appointment has drawn widespread praise. The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and other community leaders have welcomed the decision as both strategic and well-deserved.

“This appointment is not only deserved but essential. Sheikh Nasiru-Deen is a product of both countries. He understands our needs, speaks their language, and more importantly, he has the respect of their institutions,” said Sulemana Issifu, a close associate.

Redefining Bilateral Engagement
As Ghana positions itself in a fast-evolving global landscape, President Mahama’s decision to send Sheikh Nasiru-Deen to Ankara is seen as a signal of Ghana’s intent to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, humanitarian work, and diplomacy.

His ambassadorship is expected to open new doors and deepen existing collaborations, reinforcing Ghana’s presence on the international stage through a figure who embodies trust, diplomacy, and development.

From Accra to Ankara, Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen stands as a unique envoy, rooted in Ghana, respected in Turkey, and ready to serve as a bridge between two nations.