Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia’s Kanda Estates residence was a beehive of activities last Saturday as Muslims from all walks of life thronged the place to partake in a thanksgiving service for his safe arrival from this year’s pilgrimage.

At the helm of the spiritual function was the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu who led his colleague clerics and the many Muslims who honoured the invitation of the politician/economist to join him in prayers for the safe arrival for he and his wife from the pilgrimage.

Dr. Bawumia in his welcome address expressed gratitude to Almighty God for bringing him back home safely and prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives during the stampede and a previous accident during the pilgrimage.

He told his many guests that “today’s function is a spiritual one and non-partisan. There is no politics here as we have guests from the various political parties partaking in the thanksgiving activity. When it is time for politics I would do it. For now however it is not about politics. We are here for a spiritual purpose as we are joined by the Islamic creed of ‘there is no god except the Almighty God whose is Prophet Mohammed, May the Peace of God be upon him’.

He paid complements to the National Chief Imam whom he said he was privileged to be with in Mecca.

“The National Chief Imam is a treasure for all Muslims and we pray to God to grant him long life. Going to Mecca and returning safely is a major event and I thank God for the favour. I find myself very lucky to have been with the National Chief Imam in Mecca. It would be ingrained in me for a long time. Some pilgrims lost their lives. Let us pray for them. Join me in praying for my father the late Alhaji Bawumia without who I would not be here today.”

The National Chief Imam prayed to God to protect Dr. Bawumia and grant him his wishes. He was pleased that Dr. Bawumia remembered his father in prayers.

The Public Relations Officer for the Council of Zongo Chiefs, Alhaji Imoru Baba Isa thanked Nana Akufo Addo the NPP flag bearer for choosing a Muslim as his running mate describing it as a great honour to members of the faith.

The roll call of personalities was long but included the Lepowura Alhaji Nurudeen Jawula, the founder of the Nasara Club, Alhaji Maiga, Alhaji Aminu Amadu, MPs from the Northern Region prominent among were Alhaji Tijani the Yendi MP.

Others were a founding member of the NPP, Kaleem Business, TB Damba, Hon. Freddie Blay, First Vice Chairman of the NPP, Hon. Rashid Bawa, former Ghana Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Alhaji Yakubu Aggrey among others.