New York Muslims Pray For Ghana's 60th Independence Anniversary

Islamic prayers were said for Ghana’s accelerated development, continuous peace and security at the Yankasa Mosque at Bronx in New York on Friday, March 2, as part of activities to mark the country’s 60^th independence anniversary.

The prayers were led by the Imam Salley of the Yankasa Mosque, at Bronx. It was attended by the various tribal heads and Magajias (leaders of the women groups). Among the many Muslims who attended was Mr.Gariba Fuseini, a former Assemblyman in Accra, who was born on March 6, 1957, the day of Ghana’s independence.

Ambassador Ama Akyaa Pobee, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in a message said Ghanaians have a lot to be thankful to God for.

For example, she noted that “looking at the way the deadly Ebola disease killed many people in our neighbouring countries, we are very lucky that not a single person contracted it in Ghana. For all these mercies, we need to constantly thank God for his marvelous works and unending protection”.

She noted that the 60^th anniversary was very significant and therefore urged them to remember those who fought for Ghana’s independence.

The Ambassador informed the gathering that the Mission and Consulate General were fully aware of the challenges confronting the Ghanaian community and was taking steps within the laws of the host country to provide them with consular assistance.

“We are ready to work with you to address your problems so do contact us in times of need”, she stated.

On his part, Imam Salley stressed that the only way God can give more to Ghanaians is when they show gratitude for all that God has bestowed on them over the years.

“Whereas others are fighting religious and political wars, Ghanaians are living in peace and unity, devoid of any such bitter rivalries”.

The Consul General of the Ghana in New York, Mr. Bernard K. Quantson urged them to be continuously law abiding in order to enjoy their stay.

He assured them of the necessary consular support when the need arises, but encouraged them to always live in unity and peace and most importantly to take their work very seriously as was expected of them as Ghana’s goodwill ambassadors.

Earlier, Mr. Abdul Sallam, president of Yankasa said Ghana’s independence from British colonial domination is something that we should be grateful for.

He praised the Ghana Mission for organizing the Independence prayers for the second time at the Yankasa Mosque in Bronx.

Yankasa is a non-fit organization offering humanitarian services to the Ghanaian and American community.

2017-03-09 224302