Firdaus Foundation for Social Services, subscribed to by Seidu Mohammed and Salisu Hussein Suallah, allegedly claimed ownership of the community mosque of Elmina Zongo.
Firdaus Foundation focuses on helping the vulnerable, especially in the Muslim community. It had acquired some alleged fake land documents; a search at the Lands Commission, Cape Coast, proved contrary to its claim of ownership.
According to the concerned members of the community, the mosque was a collective effort, constructed with a $20,000 donation from a Saudi Arabian philanthropist named Sheik Mused Ar’Radaadi in 1999. The community provided labour and land for the construction, demonstrating their unity and collective ownership of the mosque.
The philanthropist channelled all resources for the mosque through the Al Muntada Foundation for Social Services, which is said to have collapsed in 2009.
The said Firdaus Foundation for Social Services, per the document cited by this reporter, is said to have stated in documents filed at the court that it secured certification for the change of name from AL Muntada Foundation for Social Services to its present name by a special resolution on July 23 2009.
According to a search report from the Registrar General Department, the Special Resolution for changing the name from AL Muntada to its present name cannot be traced in their database, and the Firdaus Foundation for Social Services was incorporated in 2013.
The members revealed in an interview that in 2016, the community, through its contribution, began to expand the mosque due to the increasing number of worshipers, which has brought about the present controversies.
The Foundation has since filed a lawsuit to halt the members from expanding the mosque, causing community problems.
As a result of the dispute, the studies of the children at Makaranta have been significantly disrupted. The Foundation’s actions have also led to services being disrupted during heavy downpours, causing further concern and urgency for the community.
Given the significant impact of the dispute on the community, the members have made a heartfelt appeal to the Government and the leadership of the Muslim community to intervene. Their intervention is crucial to restoring peace and ensuring the betterment of all.
The suit: According to the information, the suit will be heard in court on July 22; the reporter will bring readers the proceedings on that date.
