Abossey Okai Central Mosque

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]

Abossey Okai Central Mosque
Religion
AffiliationIslam
RegionGreater Accra Region
Location
LocationAbossey Okai, Ghana
Abossey Okai Central Mosque is located in Ghana
Abossey Okai Central Mosque
Shown within Ghana
Geographic coordinates5°33′29″N 0°13′48″W / 5.55817°N 0.23007°W / 5.55817; -0.23007
Architecture
Stylemosque
Date established1970s
Specifications
Dome(s)1
Minaret(s)2

History

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The construction of the Central Mosque in Accra aimed to provide a place of worship for the growing Muslim population in the Abossey Okai locality. Over the years, it has evolved into a central hub for the Muslim community, offering a space for prayer, community gatherings, and religious events.[3]

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.[4][5]

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.[6][7]

Renovation

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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.[8] He made the pledge when he addressed a Muslim congregation at an Islamic Thanksgiving ceremony held on Friday at the mosque. However, renovation works have not commenced since the announcement.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Owusu-Ansah, David (2005), Transformations in Islamic Education in Ghana, aodl.org, retrieved 2023-12-23{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Yaw (2005), Veep says prayers to thank Allah, Daily Graphic, p. 27, retrieved 2023-12-23{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. ^ Zoomlion disinfects Abossey Okai Central Mosque, citinewsroom.com, 2020, retrieved 2023-12-23{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ Ryan, Virginia (2009), Landing in Accra, Strictly Literary, p. 221, ISBN 978-0-9805489-5-2, retrieved 2023-12-23{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ Akufo-Addo, Bawumia Arrive At Abossey Okai Central Mosque For Thanksgiving Service (Watch), peacefmonline.com, 2016, retrieved 2023-12-23{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  6. ^ Some Mosques remain closed, despite ease of restrictions, Graphic Online, 2020, retrieved 2023-12-23{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. ^ 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{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  8. ^ Mohammed, Issah (2021), Bawumia Announces 119 Zongo Projects, retrieved 2023-12-23
  9. ^ Bawumia to renovate Abossey Okai Central Mosque, ghanaianminaret.com, 2020, retrieved 2023-12-23{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)