A JOINT military/police team invaded the Kumasi Central Mosque to stop possible violent scenes at the place during Friday ‘Juma’ prayers.
There were reports that a group of ‘angry’ Zongo youth in Kumasi were planning to violently attack the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun.
Reason For Attack
The top Muslim cleric reportedly ‘angered’ the Zongo youth when he (Sheikh) slammed ex-President John Mahama for promising to build mortuaries for Zongos if he wins the presidential election on December 7.
Sheikh Haroun had said the Zongo communities needed schools to train and enhance the future of their youth so Mr. Mahama’s mortuaries promise was unnecessary.
Youth Issue Ultimatum
Being peeved by the statement made by the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, the Zongo youth, believed to be members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), ‘ordered’ Sheikh Haroun to resign in three days’ time.
The three-day ultimatum was supposed to end on Friday so there were some apprehensions that the Zongo youth might storm the holy place to attack the Chief Imam as they had threatened.
Huge Police, Military Presence
Scores of soldiers and police, who were armed to the teeth and appeared ready for battle, were seen positioned at vantage points on the premises the mosque last Friday afternoon.
An announcement was made to Muslims in the city and the nearby communities not to be afraid of the presence of the security forces as they were at the mosque to provide security.
Chief Imam Leads Prayers
The Ashanti Regional Chief Imam defied the threats posed by the Zongo youth as he entered the mosque to preside over the Friday prayers as he usually does.
Surprisingly, Sheikh Haroun looked composed throughout the Friday service as though he was not aware that some Zongo youth had threatened to physically manhandle him.
The prayers were very peaceful without any incident.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi