President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the Akweteyman Central Mosque in the Okaikwei North Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, marking the completion of a project that took a decade to build.
The project, which began about 10 years ago, saw accelerated construction from April 2025 and was completed in September 2025 following additional support from President Mahama.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President paid tribute to the late Imam of Akweteyman for his immense contribution to the project. He recalled that last year, contractors identified serious structural defects involving the foundation and pillars of the building, prompting a halt in construction.
According to President Mahama, the contractor advised that the foundation and pillars be reinforced before work could safely continue. He noted that construction resumed only after engineers confirmed the structural integrity of the building.
“Once they were sure that the structure was strong enough, they proceeded with the completion of the mosque,” the President said.
President Mahama prayed that God would answer the prayers of all who worship at the mosque, describing the edifice as a blessing to the people of Akweteyman and visitors from beyond the community.
He expressed gratitude to all individuals and groups who contributed to the project, singling out the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, Madam Theresa Lardi Awuni, for her consistent visits and support throughout the construction period.
The President described the mosque as a symbol of Ghana’s peaceful coexistence among different religious groups, noting the presence of a Christian pastor at the ceremony as evidence of the country’s unity and tolerance.
Touching on preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, President Mahama announced that Saudi Arabia had allocated Ghana a quota of 5,960 pilgrims. He disclosed that the cost of the 2026 Hajj had been reduced to GH¢60,000, adding that the quota had already been fully subscribed.
He cautioned prospective pilgrims to adhere strictly to the Hajj Committee’s directive against late payments, explaining that delays often create challenges, including some applicants missing the pilgrimage.
The President further revealed that the Hajj Committee had secured quality accommodation for Ghanaian pilgrims in Mecca, close to the Kaaba, as well as in Medina, and was finalising transportation arrangements.
On infrastructure development, President Mahama said construction of the Hajj Transit Terminal at the Kotoka International Airport by the Ghana Airport Company was ongoing. Although the facility would not be ready for use this year, he expressed confidence that from 2027, pilgrims would benefit from a modern and comfortable transit terminal.
He noted that the holy month of Ramadan was approaching and prayed for peace, blessings, and prosperity for all Ghanaians and the nation as a whole.
