Ghanaians can be a great help to your own people.”

-Imam Nasir

Imam Nasir of the Ahamdiyya Muslim community (Bait-ul-Jamaay Mosque, Glen Ellyn) attended Ghana’s 58th Independence celebration with about 350 Ghanaians (West African Country) in town Dolton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The event is organized every year to commemorate Ghana’s Independence from British rule.

Imam Nasir was welcomed by Mr. Sadiq Aboagye who is the General Secretary of the Ghana National Council.

People standing up respecting the National Anthem of Ghana

Ghana’s national anthem marked the beginning of the celebration, and the opening prayer was offered by Evangelist Kwamina Sam while Mr Akua Agyemam who led the ceremony delivered the welcome address.

Mr Akua Agyeman then introduced Imam Nasir and honored him by requesting to address the gathering as the first Speaker of night.

Imam Nasir addressing the gathering

In his address, Imam Nasir shared his experience he had while he was in Koforedoa Eastern Region of the Ghana from 1978 to 1982 where he was stationed as a Regional missionary of the Ahmadiyya mission. He mentioned the hospitality and friendship that he received from Ghanaians during his 4 years stay there which he still cherishes the connection – which created and strengthened the bond between him and Ghanaians.

Imam Nasir addressing the gathering

He said he used to attend National celebrations every year. And after he left Ghana and stayed in MD for 8 years, he was invited there by the Embassy of Ghana for Independence Day celebration in the Washington DC.

He said:
“I am very happy to attend Independence Day here in Chicago”.

Imam Shamshad further stated that this relationship was maintained even when he was posted in Houston, Silver Spring and Los Angeles.

Photos (The president (R) and General Secretary (L) of Ghana National Council of Chicago with Imam Nasir)

In the end, the Imam advised the Ghanaian community that they should lead a simple life so that they can help, support and extend assistance to fellow Ghanaians in their home country who are poor and needy. He advised them to sacrifice money they spend on starburst coffee and alcoholic beverages to help the poor people back home.

Finally, he thanked them for the honor bestowed him and presented a check of $250 to the organization as a token gift from Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission to help them in their endeavors.

His speech was well received and ended with with people giving him a big round of applause.

The president of the council thanked him and told him that they will try to follow his advice.

Mr Ismail Anani member of the Ahmadiyya Mission of Chicago accompanied the Imam. Later delicious dinner and traditional food was served to all present.

Contact:

Imam Shamshad Nasir | Bait-ul-Jaamay Mosque
Work Phone: 630-790-4100 | Fax: 630-793-4100
Cell Phone: 909-636-8332
Email: shamshadanasir@gmail.com