Muslims pray under heavy security

THERE WAS heavy security at the Central Mosque in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Regional capital, during Friday’s (Jumma) prayers.

Muslims that had besieged the holy grounds to partake in the day’s prayer activities, were shocked to see armed soldiers and police.

Wielding guns and other weapons, the security forces were strategically positioned at all the entry and exit points of the spacious mosque.

The paper gathered that the soldiers and policemen were ordered by their superiors to provide security at the place to forestall a possible attack.

It was revealed that there were threats against the life of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun, hence the heavy security.

Chief Imam’s Statement

According to reports, the top Islamic Cleric, reportedly, stepped on the toes of some Zongo youth when he spoke about ex-President Mahama, recently.

Sheikh Mumin Haroun was said to have verbally lambasted Mr. Mahama for promising to build mortuaries for Muslims if he becomes president again.

The Ashanti Regional Chief Imam said Mr. Mahama’s remarks was an insult to Islam and Muslims in general so he should be ignored.

Angry Zongo Youth

Immediately after Sheikh Mumin Haroun had delivered his statement, some Zongo youth accused him of playing politics over the sensitive issue.

They therefore issued a three-day ultimatum to the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam to resign from his position, else they would force him to do so.

It was reported that the three-day ultimatum was supposed to end on Friday, which coincidentally was the day for Jumma prayers at the Mosque.

The security agencies sensed danger that, perhaps, the Zongo youth may storm the place and assault the respected Islamic Cleric.

The presence of the soldiers and policemen at the Mosque was therefore a precautionary measure to help prevent possible security issues.

In the end, the Friday prayers were said peacefully without any security breach. The chief Imam, as usual, presided over the sacred event.

Meanwhile, Ustaz Ahmed Seidu, Secretary of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, confirmed the presence of security men at the Mosque.

He admonished any Zongo youth that was trying to foment trouble at the sacred place to quickly change their minds, else they would be in big trouble.

According to him, the entire spacious Mosque was surrounded by armed soldiers and police, who were ready to deal with troublemakers.