As part of the celebrations to mark the 5th anniversary of the passing away of the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama, a special prayer was said for him by the National Chief Imam, Sheik Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu at his residence in Cantonments, Accra on Thursday, November 16.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Vice President; Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development, Boniface Abubakar Saddique, Chief of Staff, Frema Osei-Opare and some Members of Parliament.
Vice President Dr. Bawumia eulogized and described him as a selfless and kind person who was always wearing smiles on his face and a pioneer who played a pivotal role in the NPP’s success of gaining power.
According to him, government’s idea of setting up a Zongo Development Fund to develop and support Zongo communities was inspired by the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama and his (Bawumia) decision to enter into active politics was influenced by the former Vice President.
Series of events
There will be an art exhibition and a cocktail fundraising dinner at the Accra International Conference Centre this evening.
Proceeds from the art exhibition and fundraising dinner will be used to support the Aliu Mahama Foundation (AMF), set up by the former Vice-President.
On November 25, there will be a clean-up exercise with the support of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on the theme: “Cleaning and Greening the city in memory of Aliu Mahama” in Kumasi.
There will also be a “Soup Kitchen”, an event that will feed the homeless and the needy in the Kumasi metropolis.
A lecture will be given on December 6 by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, at the Accra International Conference Centre on the theme: “Transforming Ghana beyond Aid,” which will also officially bring to a close the art exhibition opened on November 16.
A youth forum at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale on December 8 will also be held on the topic: “Campaign for greater discipline: A legacy of Aliu Mahama.”
Climax of celebration
The climax of the celebration will be a renaming ceremony by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Tamale Sports Stadium. The ceremony will include a football match between football players from the north and south of the country.
In an interview with Ghanaweb, a son of the late Aliu Mahama, Mr. Farouk Mahama, expressed his appreciation to the President over the gesture of renaming the Tamale Stadium after his father.
He indicated that the gesture came as a surprise to the family as they did not make a request to have the stadium named after their father.
“The family did not tell the President to name the sports stadium after Aliu Mahama. It was the discretion of the President. He even decided without consulting the family and he indeed intends to fulfill his promise,” he said.
