Abossey Okai Central Mosque

Abossey Okai Central Mosque
Religion
Affiliation	Islam
Region	Greater Accra Region
Location
Location	Abossey Okai, Ghana
Shown within Ghana
Geographic coordinates	5°33′29″N0°13′48″W / 5.55817°N 0.23007°W / 5.55817; -0.23007
Architecture
Style	mosque
Date established	1970s
Specifications
Dome(s)	1
Minaret(s)	2

The Abossey Okai Central Mosque also Accra Central Mosque, is a mosque in the Abossey Okai community of Accra, Ghana. Constructed in the 1970s, the mosque was established to cater to the Muslim community in Abossey Okai and neighboring areas such as Sabon Zango. ^{[1] [2]}

History

In the 1980s, a pivotal shift occurred when the Central Mosque at the central market in Makola was burned and demolished by the then president of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings to pave way for the construction of the Rawlings Park. Subsequently, the Abossey Okai Mosque assumed the role of the central mosque for Accra. This transition positioned it as a key institution for the broader Muslim community in the capital city. ^{[3] [4]}

For a significant period, the Abossey Okai Mosque served as the venue for Friday prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. ^{[5] [6]}

Renovation

In 2020, the Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia promised to carry out a renovation of the Abossey Okai Central Mosque. He described that a gesture of gratitude to Allah for granting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) victory in the 2020 Ghanaian general election. ^[7] He made the pledge when he addressed a Muslim congregation at an Islamic Thanksgiving ceremony held on Friday at the mosque. ^[8]

References

1. Owusu-Ansah, David (2005), Transformations in Islamic Education in Ghana, aodl.org, retrieved 2023-12-23
2. Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Yaw (2005), Veep says prayers to thank Allah, Daily Graphic, p. 27, retrieved 2023-12-23
3. Ryan, Virginia (2009), Landing in Accra, Strictly Literary, p. 221, ISBN   978-0-9805489-5-2 , retrieved 2023-12-23
4. Akufo-Addo, Bawumia Arrive At Abossey Okai Central Mosque For Thanksgiving Service (Watch), peacefmonline.com, 2016, retrieved 2023-12-23
5. Some Mosques remain closed, despite ease of restrictions, Graphic Online, 2020, retrieved 2023-12-23
6. Sounaye, Abdoulaye; Chappate, André (2022), Islam and Muslim Life in West Africa: Practices, Trajectories and Influences, De Gruyter, ISBN   978-3-11-073335-8 , retrieved 2023-12-23
7. Mohammed, Issah (2021), Bawumia Announces 119 Zongo Projects , retrieved 2023-12-23
8. Bawumia to renovate Abossey Okai Central Mosque, ghanaianminaret.com, 2020, retrieved 2023-12-23