Police Central Mosque inaugurated
A new 1,000 capacity mosque described as a symbol of religious tolerance and co-existence has been inaugurated at Cantonments in Accra to serve as a Central Mosque for the Police administration and the general public.
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The facility is fitted with a library, large prayer halls, a multipurpose hall, offices and has a spacious car park.
The Director General, Welfare, Ghana Police Service (GPS), DCOP Bright Oduro, who inaugurated the edifice on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr John Kudalor, and the Police administration, said the Police Service accorded much importance to the spiritual and moral upliftment of its servicemen and as such, acquiring a place of worship for those of the Muslim faith was dear to the past and current administrations.
“Fitted with a library which is opened to the general public irrespective of their faith, we are optimistic that the edifice will serve its purpose as a place of acquisition of knowledge and a true symbol of religious tolerance and co-existence,” he said.
The IGP also gave an assurance that the place was not going to be only a place of worship but an Islamic centre of excellence with open doors for research on matters of religion, guidance and counselling for distressed police officers, among others.
Present to support the Police administration to open the edifice was a high hierarchy of the Muslim community led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who led the first congregational prayer.
Also present were a former IGP, Mr Mohammed Alhassan; the Director General, Research and planning, COP Rose Bio Atinga, and the Director General, Human Resource of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Beatrice Zakpaa Vib Sanziri.
Donors
Speaking on behalf of the major donors of the mosque, Mr Salem Kalmoni stated that the sponsors did not seek public recognition, but sought the pleasure of Allah to show gratitude for his many blessings by adopting a righteous project.
He recounted five reasons which informed their decision to support the project, which included the excellent location of the mosque in a residential area where embassies and government officials resided, the professionalism of the Imams at the Police Service, the non-existence of monopoly of the mosque by one Imam; the mosque’s accessibility to the civilian population and the GPS itself as an organ of government serving Ghanaians.
He expressed the hope that the new mosque would become a beacon of tolerance, good guidance and networking among various tribes and nations.
Architect
The architect and Project Manager of the mosque, Mrs May Kalmoni, said they did not compromise on high standards of aesthetics, finishing material, strong structure, safety and security considerations. An underground water tank was provided, as well as a well. Air-conditioning for all the halls/rooms; security cameras, LED lighting and a generator were also provided.
She thanked the sponsors and the public, saying it was a wonderful project because of the noble cause behind its construction and the heart-warming sense of generosity, selflessness and Allah’s support that was deeply felt during the period of construction.
For his part, the Imam of the GPS, DSP Husein Abdul Rahim, paid tribute to ex-servicemen and women, especially the immediate past IGP, Mr Alhassan, for their immense contribution towards the building of the edifice.