– holds Iftar for Muslim customers
By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
Bank of Africa (BOA)-Ghana, a member of the Bank of Africa BMCE Group, led by its Managing Director, Abderrahmane Belbachir, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Muslim community in Ghana by making a generous donation to the office of the National Chief Imam and hosting an Iftar for the bank’s customers.
The management of BOA-Ghana, who paid a courtesy visit to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, at his residence in Fadama-Accra, highlighted the bank’s unwavering commitment to the Chief Imam and the Muslim community in general.
With the month of Ramadan recognised as a time of reflection, prayer and giving, BOA – as an organisation – believes in standing with its Muslim brothers and sisters in upholding the values of the sacred month.
The MD emphasised that the BOA-Ghana has over the years maintained a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the Muslim community, built on trust, shared values and a commitment to community development.
In the spirit of this longstanding relationship, the bank once again donated an undisclosed amount of money alongside food items, including bags of rice, gallons of oil, bottled water and assorted beverage products, among others, to the Chief Imam in support of his annual assistance to the needy in the community during the fasting period.
“As Management and Staff of Bank of Africa, we are very happy to support the Muslim community in this month of Ramadan. As a business, we are here for the wealth, health, happiness and prosperity of all people, not only the Muslim community but all businesses and individuals in the country and beyond.
“For Muslims, Ramadan is the most holy month and so it is the right moment to support and also seek the blessings of the revered spiritual leader. We believe in his holy prayers to help us grow our business in the Ghanaian community and also help our customers to make wealth, Mr. Belbachir stated.
On his part, the Chief Imam underscored the importance of fostering peace and unity at all times irrespective of religious differences, because without such values, socio-economic development cannot be achieved.
Sheikh Sharubutu further expressed his gratitude to the bank and prayed for Allah’s elevation, favour and protection for the company. He indicated that Allah loves a cheerful giver and as they have given willingly, Allah will bless all their business endeavours.
“We deeply appreciate this continuous support from the BOA-Ghana. Your generosity during this blessed month strengthens the bond between communities and exemplifies the true spirit of Ramadan,” he concluded.
Iftar for Muslim customers in partnership with Moroccan Embassy
Subsequently, the Bank of Africa Ghana, in collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy on Sunday, 16th March, 2025, held a feast for Muslim clients and key dignitaries to break their Ramadan fast at the NsuomNam Restaurant in Cantonment, Accra.
Iftar refers to the meal for breaking of the fast during Ramadan. This kind gesture forms part of the BOA-Ghana’s annual tradition to join in fellowship with its customers, partners, directors and friends to celebrate the diversity of faith.
The high-profile event was also graced by Imane Ouaadil, the Moroccan Ambassador, and Omar Konate, the Malian Ambassador to Ghana.
Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of Ramadan, Iftar and participation in all the other sacred prayers and practices of the religion, adding that the Quran underscores observing Ramadan as the ‘fear of God’ and surrendering to the will of Allah.
He indicated that the virtue of generosity is key in Islam and the Prophet Mohammed was known to be a very generous leader. He acknowledged the generosity of BOA, stating that over the years, the bank has demonstrated its support to the Muslim community; and the office of the Chief Imam appreciates this gesture.
Mr. Abderrahmane Belbachir stated that the gathering holds immense significance for the management and staff of Bank of Africa Ghana as it offers a valuable opportunity to connect with cherished customers.
“It is in this spirit that we gather tonight, sharing a meal to express the values of spiritual renewal and reflection while fostering a sense of unity and compassion within our community… This Iftar provides a moment to pause, reconnect and appreciate the diverse individuals who make up our extended family, our bank family and our global community,” he emphasised.
The Moroccan Ambassador, Mrs. Ouaadil, in her remarks, expressed her profound gratitude to the management of BOA for the partnership opportunity and to the office of the national Chief Imam for its unwavering support for the Moroccan community here in Ghana and all other Muslims.
She took the opportunity to wish all a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, joy, and spiritual growth. “May this sacred month bring you closer to your faith and one another,” she added.
