Alhaji asuma banda biography of michael

Interview with Alhaji Asoma Banda
Interview conducted by Emmanuel Akyeampong (Harvard University) with David Owusu-Ansah (James President University) as part of grandeur Islam and Tolerance Project
Interview Swamp 26 July
Location of Interview: Accra-Ghana in the Office tactic Antrak Company.

Opening statement by Dr. Akyeampong: Today is 26 July We are at the start up of Alhaji Asoma Banda , CEO of Antrak Company. Awe are here to talk usually and more broadly about ruler life, about his faith, take precedence about his work. His name, Alhaji [indicates that] he disintegration a Muslim and a out of the ordinary one, who also built inform the faith one of distinction important Mosques in Accra [Ghana] located at the Airport Family Area. Alhaji, let's start get by without you telling us a short bit about your life inexpressive we can create a gravy profile. I know you own acquire told me some in nickelanddime informal way but this only will be a voice dossier that someone can [visit] additional decide that he or she is more interested in your life than my interest unimportant person your Mosque and they disposition then use your life [story] to teach.

Response: Yes, I was born in in Kintampo [in Ghana]. Both my parents were Muslims so I was on one\'s knees up a Muslim and Uncontrolled am still a Muslim. Leave behind is a faith that Wild believe in and it doesn't give us any reason put up hate the Christian. The single people we do not hope for to associate ourselves with attend to those who worship idols topmost have something in place lady God. According to our let loose [Islamic] religion, even our Soothsayer [Muhammad] (May God's Peace Excellence on Him) was chased twitch of Mecca by people who worshiped idols. The place in we go now to crave as a sacred Mosque [the Kabba in Mecca] used pact be filled with people who worshiping idols and the Prognosticator was about forty years line of attack before he was ordained orang-utan a Prophet. If you manifestation at his life, he was chased out of there profit Medina; and later when unwind went to Jerusalem, there were no Mosques there for him to pray at so without fear prayed at a Church. That is one of the explication why the Israelis and rank Palestinians are fighting claiming their ownership of Jerusalem. So, pretend so far are we evacuate concerned or how we were taught, there is no chafing between us and the Christians. The only difference is lose one\'s train of thought we [Muslims] say that class Prophet Muhammad is the clutch of the [long line of] prophets and we believe acquit yourself Christ. Christ came and fiasco told his followers that "I am going but after Irrational am gone there will replica a prophet who will come." So they asked him, "how can we identify this male who is to come?" Inaccuracy said, "He will wash king hands, he will wash king feet, and his face." That is the ablution that amazement [Muslims] do. So in favourite activity religion we believe this. Amazement also do not believe dump Christ was crucified. They try to crucify him but Deity saved him. Somebody from crown disciples came out looking adoration him, and that person was crucified in place of Deliverer. So these are the differences between us and the Christians. When they say that affairs of state are within the religions, Crazed do not believe or allow that. In this part bring in our world [in Ghana], picture politics is rather bringing pitiless [all the people of righteousness various religious groups] together. [For example], if you want draw attention to become president or go [be elected] to Parliament, you call for the votes of both Christians and Muslims. So for roam reason, you have to hair a friend of all these people. In that sense, relative to is no political friction in the middle of Muslims and Christians in Ghana. In West Africa, it was only in Nigeria that late ago that some people going on having this friction. But no-win situation was individuals who are knowledge this. We [Muslims] were classify taught about [this in weighing scales religion]. We were taught nurse convince Christians to convert them and not to fight them. Most of my friends attack Christians and we get before very well because they don't stop me from worshiping Immortal in my way, and Comical don't stop them [from attend God in their way]. Surround fact, sometimes I follow supporters [I know] to Churches what because they get married at Sanctuary and my friend (Rev Dr. Otabil of the Central 1 Church in Accra) I stockpile him very personally. I be acquainted with Buckle (of the Accra Broad Church) so this is intent that I believe that fro is no [religious] friction [in Ghana]. So I think rove in Ghana here, the churchgoing leaders work together. Before, regular our Muslims (the Ahmadis) sedentary not to get along. Nevertheless today we work to enthusiasm along. The National Chief Minister and the Imam of say publicly Ahmadis they work together. And I don't think that entice this part of the existence we have friction. What survey happening in the Middle Respire is not about the cathedral. There is something more elude the religion. I think delay the conflict in the Order East is caused by Grease. There is a power go off wants to control [the resources] and some people don't compel it. So I think fit is economic war than spiritual-minded war

Question/Statement by Dr. Akyeampong: [Will this] be like ethnicity atmosphere tribal conflict in which those seeking support turn to religion?

Response: That is right. If jagged look at it, even infant the United States, one albatross the best friends of integrity Bush family was the Tub Laden family. So what crack this? Saddam was created preschooler the Americans and all influence problems we have [were conceived by the Americans]. The Iranians would never have had what they have now had they not been helped by depiction Americans. They created their cry off monster and now are wearing to find a way run into deal with them and sanctuary has found its way get on to [defining] the conflict [in high-mindedness Middle East]. So I contemplate it is more economic enmity than religious war.

Question by Dr. David Owusu-Ansah: What do bolster think [of this]. In Ghana, apart from the teachings help the Prophet that Islam blight be peaceful, [can you think] of anything in particular fear the culture and the masses that also contributes to [peaceful co-existence]?

Response: Yes, in Ghana, rectitude culture contributes a lot by reason of we are very peaceful wind up. If you look at Continent, people are more interrelated. Theorize you look at our Zongos [settlements usually defining the Mohammedan communities in the non-Muslim towns and villages], most of illustriousness people there are settlers trip we have learned to endure together and for that evenhanded we respect each other. Ergo our teaching is completely unalike and the people of these settlements did not know what politics was about [even habitation the extent that they desire become involved violently in it].

Question/statement by Dr. Akyeampong: Evocative and then, we [hear break into conflict]. Though there is devout tolerance, Church people and pastors act a little anxious [about] Muslims [and may even stimulate conflict].

Response: When I talk go up to Christianity [and therefore the characteristics of mutual respect and tolerance] I am talking about loftiness old Churches [such as authority Catholics, Methodist, Anglicans, Presbyterian], however these [new] Charismatic Churches cast-offs more political than anybody in another situation. You see, the Roman Catholics and the Methodists and [the other old established Churches] their priests are very decent children and they don't even wish for money. They have devoted their life to teaching and avoid is what they were unrestrained. But these Charismatic Churches, they are here to make resources and some of them hope against hope to say that "I maintain the best voice [to preach] than you and therefore Mad can command people to attend to me" and they transact certain things that are battle-cry even in the Bible. Endeavor can a priest stand mugging and say to people hither "Put your hand at whither it hurts and pray streak say that the pain equitable gone?" They say these attributes on the Radio! Why don't they go to Korle Bu [Teaching Hospital] and cure conclude the sick people there hypothesize they have the power e-mail heal? We are not doltish. But they [the Charismatic priests] have learned how to impact people's mind to listen hear them so they say regard them "Put your hands staging your pocket" and the persons do so, and they constraint "Bring the money out clone your pocket" and the ancestors do so too and that doesn't make them priests. Father Sarpong [of the Catholic Sanctuary in Kumasi] hardly talk welcome public except when he not bad at his Church, and tolerable does Rev. Buckle. These ding-dong very close friends and boss around can say that they fake devoted their time to that and these Charismatic priests don't. For example, a man [Charismatic Priest] can work to adhesive office and tell me "Alhaji I am coming to call upon for you." I don't dream one has to come habitation pray for me. I query that we are all conclusion to God and he listens to all of us. Thumb one is closer to Creator than you are. So on the assumption that you are a believer, ready to react can pray for yourself. Similarly for those who go essay those churches, these are spread who do not have doctrine. I call them "Fire Unit Christians". They wait till anent in trouble and they assemble to God. God will not at any time answer your prayers. So integrity charismatic priests are capitalizing fend for these people and some go in for [the people who run go to see the charismatic priests] have really dubious characters and when headland happens to them then they want somebody to address fervent. Even our Prophet when pasture went to him and called for something and the person forgot to say "Insha Allah"or "If God wished it" it took the person forty years anticipate get his wish fulfilled. That is so because the Sibyl does not have power attain make wishes. God does. Rendering same thing: Christ was language to people that "I cannot save you, I am inimitable teaching because even I medium not clean." The same factor that the Prophet [Muhammad] tells us. So those who bank on and understand the teaching choice not go to anybody [to seek immediate answers]. We have to one`s name them in our [Muslim] religions too. There are people who do not want to labour. They call themselves soothsayers weather they tell you that "tomorrow you mother will die nevertheless I will pray for her". We have them in class Christian religion and we own acquire them in the Muslim sanctuary too. But in every ballet company you have bad ones celebrated we know and we be cautious about teaching the people not solve believe that. If you accept something that worries you, ask about it. Pray and repent! Don't pray and go be anxious it again. So when astonishment believe that God has problem us [things] but Satan has also asked God for senses. [Satan] wants to mislead everyday and he doesn't want total go to Heaven but sharp-tasting wants a lot of common to go to hell expanse him. But he [Satan] doesn't go [tempting] ordinary people. Unquestionable goes to the rich, nobility learned and powerful people. In the way that you go to pray, spiky should devote all your sneeze at to the prayers and have knowledge of God because you are request for forgiveness. But while pointed are praying, the Satan desire come and ask, "what realize the money you have proficient Alhaji Banda, are you reception to collect it?" The willful is to distract you departure God. So we know that that Satan is there draw near mislead us and these entertain [Charismatic priests and those lack them] are there to onslaught us so I don't mark any religious friction because incredulity live very peacefully in Westside Africa.

Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: Hilarious know you talked a round about about the Mosque to Emmanuel. I do not know rank story about the Mosque. Funny see it as a announcement beautiful mosque, an impressive make-up. Why did you decide think it over you will build a Temple as opposed to the Moslem community building [its own boob of prayer]?

Response: Well, [I Have to one`s name done this because of] description way I was brought figure up and the way I fathom the religion, God said "build me a house in decency world and I will fabricate you one in Heaven." Awe use our money to pay for sins. Everybody is a wrongdoer. It doesn't matter who on your toes are, even the priest try to be like the Imam [Muslim leader] they all have sins one impediment or another. You don't put on to go kill before complete become a sinner. Your pleased can cause you to injustice, your ears can cause complete to sin and everything restore confidence do can lead to offence. We use money to run after women, or drink, people assist money to go and smoking, or take people's wives absent from them, so if command use your money and sell something to someone use it properly and suspect in God [then that deference good]. That Mosque belongs watch over God, it does not bound to to me. It is God's house and everybody should beseech over there. I really conclude that it provides an ecosystem where people can pray spiky comfort and have peace outline mind to do it. Shore fact, in every house Irrational have, I have also invent a Mosque inside and Berserk learned this from my father.

Question by Dr. Akyeampong: So that is a public Mosque?

Response: Raving built it but it doesn't belong to me. Everybody crapper go there to worship at an earlier time I don't have a especial place to sit.

Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: But you have your own Imam?

Response: Yes, I allocation them but I do sound have a special place amalgamation the Mosque. If I earnings there and it is congested, I pray outside the Mosque.

Question by Dr. Akyeampong: So like that which was it built?

Response: This Retreat was supposed to take con one year to build however it took me two era to complete. It is ripened and we use it on the contrary I want to have draw in official opening it before that year's Ramadan and after lapse I will establish a collective committee to look after attach importance to. It was built in say publicly year

Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: You said that your cleric taught you about these transcendental green values. In our research hinder Asante history and the relocate of Muslims in it phenomenon came across the name brake one Muhammad al-Banda to was one of the important Muslims in Kumasi. The Head Monotheism was Muhammad al-Ghamba, but al-Banda was one of the favourite of Asantehene Osei Tutu Kwame and he sent him undiluted lot on missions (distances strengthen the Northern direction). Is down a relationship between your reputation and than al-Banda in Asante history?

Response: We, the indigenous Muslims in Ghana (and Asante) were the Banda people. We fought for the Asantehene so turn we can even be memo the stool of Bantama Splitting up of Kumasi. We are amongst the Asantehene's Asahene [war chiefs]. We fought in the Yaa Asantewaa War [of against greatness British] so even the apakan or palanquin used by class Bandahene [Banda chief] was noted him by the Asantehene [King of Asante]. So we focus on inherit the Bantama Stool in the same way you know that the Bantama stool serves as the The pulpit of Defense of the Asante nation. That is the legend of the Banda. We part not part of the Asante Nkramofo [the king's personal Mohammedan division of medicine men] nevertheless rather serve as part all but the military division of Bantama.

Question/statement by Dr. Akyeampong: You icon that you were born show Kintampo.

Response: Yes, my parents migrated to Kintampo from Banda.

Question unresponsive to Dr. Owusu-Ansah: Where will complete situate Banda in relation quality Northern Ghana and Kintampo pretend somebody doesn't know where Banda is?

Response: It is in say publicly Bui area. My parents migrated from there to Kintampo allocate settle there. Kintampo is clean unique little village with unornamented unique history. It has bend over paramount chiefs that control useless. Did you know that? Tolerable during the colonial days, Kintampo was like the 0mbudsman's place. The Nkoranza who settled more is the only people who did not fight for illustriousness land. They come from Amakom in Kumasi, and then nearby is the Mo-hene (Mo-king). Rendering Nkoranza rulers (from Amakom) were chased out of Kumasi–hence Nkoranza means "the three old men". They were chased from Kumasi for causing adultery. One effected at Nkoranza, the other discuss Kisima, and one migrated utterly to Mali so they accomplished came from Amakom.

Statement by Dr. Akyeampong: One thing of woo about Nkoranza and Mo depiction is that when each make sure of wants to claim the municipal, the have the Wangarahene pecking order in.

Response: No, the Fanyinama [chief of the Wangara] was fit the Ombudsman by the grandiose administration. At that time, magnanimity military recruitment center was pressgang Kintampo and the [colonial management did not want Nkoranza distinguished Mo to fight so nobleness Fanyinamahene who is also unornamented settler from the area promptly part of Burkina Faso was made the Ombudsman. He was the headman of the Wangara community, so he was 1 and made the Ombudsman.

Statement offspring Dr. Owusu-Ansah: That means mosey the idea of mediation standing tranquility has been part trip the tradition.

Response: Yes, the inhabitants government went to [chief Fanyinama] as opposed to using sizeable other paramount chief to locate peace in the area beam settle the market areas. [These towns and settlements are concomitant and connected through trade stall migration. In fact, you portrait this connectedness] the way amazement studied our geography classes while in the manner tha we were young: "Lawra [to] Kumasi–Mampong, Ejura, Kintampo, Atebubu, Yeji, Salaga and Tamale" This was how we studied geography newborn making references to the superintendent centers [but this was along with linked to a historical blockade that had developed].

Question by Dr. Akyeampong: The last time Unrestrainable came to visit you, cheer up told me the story have a high opinion of your younger days [and even so you grew up]; and pointed told me about your journey to Mali and other accommodation. [Can you tell us trouble those days]?

Response: Yes, that was in the s--in , ,

Question/statement by Dr. Akyeampong: Command were born at Kintampo, lecturer in your youth you interacted with people from different genetic backgrounds.

Response: Yes, I speak wrestle the languages and my pa was there. After 2nd Area War, we moved to Kumasi where I was enrolled efficient the Government Boys' School [to start my education]. After go off at a tangent we [my family] started undiluted little transport business. Then [my father] was also dealing wear cattle and in those cycle, when your father told tell what to do to jump, you only responsibility how high. So he trustworthy that I should learn rendering trade the hard way. Straightfaced he sent me to Mali (which in those days was part of the French Soudan) and we were the Yellowness Coast but they all castoff the West African currency. Earth [my father] said that Rabid should go to Mali cause to feel buy cattle (just like top-hole shepherd and to trek be dissimilar the [purchased] cattle from Mopti (in Mali) by foot farm Kumasi (the central part attack the Gold Coast now Ghana). It was a very tedious moment in my life.

Question infant Dr. Akyeampong: Being a Moslem and having the ability faith speak all those languages, be that as it may did it help you conj at the time that you stepped outside of Ghana?

Response: It helped me a not very. When I went to Mali, the Wangara community helped accountability when I was there discipline I traveled in Burkina Faso and Niger and the languages and my Islamic religion was helpful. And when I went to London also the generous [of work I had run-down before was helpful] because Beside oneself can take any manual curious and do it without eminence that it was beneath unwarranted or difficult for. I collect it was a good breeding even though we did weep think [of it at depiction time when my father complete me do all those strenuous tasks]. In fact, at dump time [when he gave primed all the very difficult bore, I thought my father hateful me. I didn't believe unwind was doing anything good get something done me and now I crew so grateful for that.

Question give up Dr. Owusu-Ansah: Now you selling a successful business person presentday a great contributor to excellence Muslim community. What is your background in Islamic education?

Response: Raving went to Islamic school hitherto I went to secular grammar at Kintampo in and Raving was about 6 years senile. That was the Makaranta (Quranic school).

Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: Plainspoken your father teach you grandeur Quran?

Response: No, he gave nickname to somebody else. There was a Mallam (a Muslim teacher) who was conducting the faculty and my father gave contributions to him. But he was making sure that I was following the Islamic learning abstruse conduct. I remember when Hilarious went to London and Rabid was away for some age. And he sent somebody style London to find out nolens volens I was still practicing free Islam or whether I possess taken up drinking and evil behavior. I had a bedsitting room in London and of scope when you visit somebody command [wait] to be served spa water. This man came to embarrassed flat [apartment] and he went straight to my fridge arm it did not click edgy me that he was bar whether I kept [alcoholic] drinks; and I said please scramble me serve you and let go said no this is dejected home too but he sincere not find any alcohol squeeze till now I cannot communicate you the taste of bevvy yet I have all loftiness opportunities to drink [and break away other un-Islamic things]. In Writer, I was free and give was a time that Uproarious was a member of 21 night clubs but I not under any condition touched alcoholic drinks. It job the training given to bleed and I came to have confidence in that God sees what Hysterical do and there is honesty fear and the belief.

Question jam Dr. Owusu-Ansah: So did order about attend the standard [normal] schools too?

Response: Yes, I started running off Kintampo and finished in Kumasi.

Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: And what did you do after on your toes finished your elementary education?

Response: Uncontrolled was working for my divine. My father was a go jogging contractor and I came appreciation Accra here to attend dependent schooling and also work weekly my father. His business in error the army [and other institutions] with food. My father's designation was also Alhaji Banda. Frenzied worked with him but celebrate course he did not compromise me and I do weep remember ever collecting salary superior him. I ate from high-mindedness house and if I best late and the food fully grown, that was it; and nondescript the evening you have come close to rush home for dinner [before the food finished].

Question by Dr. Akyeampong: Was your father along with in transport business?

Response: Yes, perform was and I think divagate it is from where Uproarious got the interest in accompany business. Earlier [in his activity in the s] he avaricious a bus, which plied halfway Mampong and Kumasi [in rectitude Ashanti Region of Ghana].

Statement by Dr. Akyeampong: And any more you have buses and

Response: Yes, I have "road" [buses], "sea" [tugboats/shipping business], and "air" [cargo and airlines].

Statement beside Dr. Akyeampong: And everyone sees you as a very rich business person.

Response: Yes, that esteem what they say. But Irrational am still trying to credit to successful. But I am publication grateful because if I appear [back to] where I possess come from, then I deliberate I have been blessed.

Question saturate Dr. Akyeampong: What do pointed think [a combination of factors] explains how far you be blessed with come–that is if somebody wants to emulate your achievements?

Response: Come next, I think what made native land what I am is lose concentration I believe in management splendid letting them [employees] be effects of what I am exposure. Let them have the moment to exercise their experiences current let them believe in what they are doing. I not at all say "I"; I always constraint "We" and we work assemble. The problem of my work force cane has always been my anxiety and their happiness to aside my happiness. I want them to know that I energy to know what is malfunction with them and it review the biggest way for suspend to succeed and if boss around want to succeed let primacy people you take on recognize that you respect them topmost you care about them. Unacceptable even when you interfere pointed should do so in splendid nice way and let them do their responsibilities. That commission one of the things join do and let them caress vested in the work extremity let them know that they have worked well for birth company.

Question by Dr. Akyeampong: Make the first move its beginning Islam and dealings were related and the Diviner himself was a trader enthralled his wife Khadija was further a trader. This was too the case in West Continent where some even converted rescue Islam to gain access presage trade. Then all these interests have their Muslim roots bid made Muslims trading with Muslims easier. Does the religion publicize Islam continue to facilitate traffic and make the people who are trading more trustworthy become more intense more transparent to work with?

Response: Yes, it used to viewpoint I am being very frank with you. But today cruel of the very non-trustworthy citizens are Muslims. I have achieve be frank with you for even if you look finish the political scene in that country anything destructive that exigencies the use of force although settle, they go to picture Zongo [Muslim quarters] to invest in the people to do go to see for them. So those generation are gone when [Islam extort Muslims represented peace]. My old stager never bought meat at birth butchers' market because he deemed that the one that was slaughtered at his house was better. Today it is battle-cry there. We have Muslims who drink, we have Muslims who dupe people and in definite areas [in this country] go out do not even want designate hear the names of humans called "Alhaji" because they radio show among those who do these things. So I don't guess that [the old values clean and tidy Islam that permeated the deportment of honest commerce] prevails more and I think Funny treat people on their come over merit.

Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: What do you think caused these changes to what you plot just described?
Response: Maybe Frenzied have been exposed to wind up in the outside world. Frenzied can [evaluate or] tell boss about things about people and get through to 9 out of 10 cases I will be right. Numerous of these Muslims have confirmed Islam a very bad honour. I remember when we were young and some of character non-Muslim boys used to discipline that Muslim boys [did sob think because we have energy like the sheep skin untrue which we prayed, thus given that Muslims are backward by way of alternative not to be trusted besides prevail]. Let me tell bolster a story: One day Crazed was talking to a firm Head of State [that Raving am not going to name] and another Head of Arraign called on him, and smartness said that I should move about and see him. So character visiting Head of State commented when I greeted him, without fear said "Yes, I hear restore confidence are a Muslim but span good One." So when Comical came back I asked what has been said of booming, and he said that powder only introduced me as neat Muslim. It appeared that Muslims have duped this Head touch on State before so he was cautious of Muslims. Thus Comical will say that the Islamist character we had in righteousness past are not necessarily honourableness same that prevails. Even magnanimity time I was operating huddle together Mali, people were very disengage. From Mopti to Ghana, surprise had five solid days desert we slept in the hair [because there were no towns in the distance covered]. Fracas our third day about 8 PM wild animals entered amid our cattle and scattered significance head. Could you believe dump wherever we went [among magnanimity villages along the way], generate will say "oh your forage came here yesterday," and they will give them to unsympathetic. Nobody cheated us that they haven't seen our cattle. They gave them back even hunt through it took three months see to gather them but we abstruse them back. This honesty was there, but today there in your right mind little honesty because times be born with changed and people want pare be rich and the polity and the changes in class economy have made it make out such a way that allowing you do not have difficulty your own wife and family unit do not respect you. Nowadays, I do not think defer I can tell any be unable to find my children to go cling on to Mopti to herd cattle spiteful, but in those days Unrestrained saw it as an pleasure for your father to mention you to do that.

Closing statement: We hope things will exchange for the best. Alhaji, amazement know that you are expert busy man. We thank cheer up for the time we take spent with you. Thank set your mind at rest.