Accra, June 7, GNA - The Saudi Arabian Government on Wednesday presented a cheque for 38,000 pounds towards the construction of a national Mosque complex at Kanda in Accra. The cheque was the second tranche of funds totalling 244,000 dollars pledged by the Saudi Arabian Government to facilitate the completion of the Mosque.

Presenting the cheque to the Council of Muslim Chiefs in Accra, Mr Tariq Khaddam Alfayed, Charg=E9 d' Affaires of the Saudi Arabian Embassy, said his Government would continue to provide the necessary support to complete the project.

He said Ghana and Saudi Arabia had maintained cordial relations over the years and that his Government was committed to the welfare of the Muslim Community in the country.

Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, who received the cheque on behalf of the Muslim Community, said work on the national Mosque complex was progressing steadily and was expected to be completed in the next five months.

He said the Muslim Community initiated the project with the laying of a foundation for the complex and received the first tranche of 40,000 pounds from the Saudi Arabian Government about four months ago. Sheikh Quaye said the new complex was to replace the old National Mosque, which was demolished many years ago at Makola in the Central Business District of the Capital. He said a third tranche was expected soon to ensure that work was completed on schedule. 07 June 06