Wangara chiefs congratulate Hajiya Kendaar on her appointment as Jakadiya Hausa for Africa

The Paramount Chief of Wangara in Greater Accra, under the leadership of Sarki Alhaji Sidiq Gimala III and his sub-chiefs, extends its warmest congratulations to Hajiya Mariama Abubakar Kendaar on her prestigious appointment as the Jakadiya Hausa for Africa.

This high-profile title was conferred upon her by the Arewarmu Duniyarmu and the Africa Chiefdom and Council in Abuja, Nigeria, on 2nd May 2026, as recognition of her outstanding leadership, role as a cultural ambassador, and tireless advocacy for the Zango and Muslim communities across the African continent.

In a statement hailing her new international role, the Paramount Chief of Wangara in Greater Accra, Sarki Alhaji Sidiq Gimala III, remarked, "We are incredibly proud of Hajiya Mariama Abubakar Kendaar.

“Her enstoolment as the Magajiyan Wangarawa of Greater Accra was a testament to her character and dedication to our people. Her new appointment as the Jakadiya Hausa for Africa is a victory not just for the Wangara people but for the entire Zango community and the nation of Ghana.”

“You continue to break boundaries, and your philanthropic legacy will inspire generations."

According to the statement, the Palace of the Paramount Chief of Wangara in Greater Accra stands firmly behind the Jakadiya Hausa for Africa as she takes on this continental responsibility and calls upon all stakeholders to support her ongoing humanitarian mission.

Hajiya Kendaar, before the current appointment, held the esteemed title of Magajiyan Wangarawa of Greater Accra, which was bestowed upon her by the palace of the Paramount Chief of Wangara in Greater Accra in recognition of her loyalty, cultural preservation, and unmatched service to the community.

As one of the very few Magajiooyi in Ghana to be officially adopted and recognised by the National Council of Zango Chiefs, Hajiya Kendaar stands as a pillar of unity and a prominent Muslim and Zango woman leader in Ghana.

According to the statement, Hajiya Kendaar’s leadership has recently garnered significant attention on both the national and international stage and was noted with moving, on official travels, a dedicated delegation of no fewer than 15 prominent Muslim women from Ghana, projecting the voice, strength, and cultural heritage of Ghanaian Muslim women to the global community.

Beyond her royal and diplomatic duties, Hajiya Kendaar is widely celebrated for her extensive humanitarian works. Using her personal resources, she has continuously spearheaded initiatives aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.

According to the statement, Hajiya Kendaar's philanthropic efforts focus heavily on the disabled with the provision of mobility aids, essential resources, and financial assistance to enhance independence and livelihood.

Hajiya Kendaar is also noted for supporting the poor and vulnerable through the distribution of food supplies, clothing, and capital to underprivileged households in Muslim-dominated areas as well as women's empowerment through the setting up of skills training and financial grants to empower women in the Zangos of Ghana, helping them achieve sustainable self-reliance.

A brief profile of Hajiya Kendaar indicates that she was born in Adabraka but grew up in Nima. She is married to Alhaji Ali Hassan Issah, and together they have four children, two sons and two daughters.

Hajiya Kendaar belongs to the Wangara community, a historic trading and Islamic scholarly group of Mande origin, with roots spread across West Africa.

On September 5th, 2025, Hajiya Kendaar was appointed Queen Mother (Magajiya) of the Wangara community in the Greater Accra Region.

Hajiya Kendaar founded the Mariam Foundation and, for over 20 years, has actively participated in annual Ramadan and Eid distributions, providing rice, sugar, oil, and other essentials to underprivileged families.

Hajiya Kendaar has received various community leadership awards and cultural recognition honours, which include the Mayor of Nima, Magajiaya Wangarawa, Ambassador of Humanitarianism of the Year 2025 in Niger.

She is also decorated with the ⁠Pan Afrik Outstanding Social Entrepreneur Charity Icon of The Year 2025 and has recently been appointed as the national president of the United Nations Peace Ambassadors Foundation in Ghana.