Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih: A short biography of the current and sitting Amir of Ahmadiyyat in Ghana
On this blessed occasion of the centenary celebration of Ahmadiyyat in Ghana, let me focus attention on a short biography of the very Amir who is currently steering the affair of the movement in Ghana.
Ahmadiyya, the world-wide Islamic movement from Punjab in India, was introduced into Ghana in 1921 by Alhaji Maulana Abdur Rahman Nayyar (1921-1922), the first Amir. He was followed by: Alhaji Maulana F.R Hakeem (1922-1929, 1933-1935). Alhaji Maulana Nazir Ahmad Ali (1936-1937, 1946-1950). Alhaji Maulana Nazir Ahmad Mubashir (1937-1946, 1950- 1954). Alhaji Maulana Atta Ullah Kaleem (1961-1970,1973-1974). Maulana Basharat Ahmad Bashir (1970-1972) Maulana (Dr.). Abdul Wahab Adam (1974-2014). Then Alhaji Maulvi Mohammed bin Salih (2014-) who was appointed to this highest office in Ghana in 2014 after the passing away of his predecessor, Amir Abdul Wahab bin Adom.
Maulvi Mohammed bin Salih was born on the 23rd of September, 1948 at Wa in the Upper West Region. His father’s name is Alhaji Salih Alhassan and mother’s name Hajia Rahmat Hameed. Let me take this opportunity to throw some light on the Walas.
Their progenitor called Yamamori migrated with his people from Kumbi Sali in the 16th century. Through the prayers of Yamamori they successfully settled at Wa. Through the prayers of Imam Ya’kub, a great grandson of Imam Yamamori, the Walas defeated their enemies, with the help of the Dagombas, thereby strengthening the Walas for the first time. The following is the genealogy of Yamamori and his descendants: Yamamori to Muhammad (son) to Abdul Qadir to Yakub to Muhammed to Alhassan to Salih. Imam Yamamori and his descendants constitute the Limanyere gate in Wa. They are responsible for putting a turban on the head of the designated Wala chief and then making him sit on the Wala throne. Through Imam Salih who accepted Ahmadiyyat, the latter Movement was introduced to Wa for the first time amidst great oppositions and recurring disturbances with the other Muslim groups at Wa. Maulana Mohammed bin Salih is a direct son of the venerable Imam Salih.
After his initial training and services in Ghana as a missionary he was sent to Pakistan to undergo further training. The following are the academic qualifications he obtained: First, he obtained his matriculation certificate in 1970 from the board of intermediate and secondary education, Pakistan. Second, he obtained his F.A. intermediate certificate in 1972 from the board of intermediate and secondary education in Pakistan. Third, he obtained his Hon. Degree in Arabic, English and Persian in 1974 from the Punjab University, Lahore in Pakistan. Fourth, he obtained his post-graduation diploma in dyelectics and comparative study of religion in 1975.
Fifth, he obtained his post graduate diploma in administrative and regulations in 1976. Sixth, he obtained his Shahid (Master’s degree) in jurisprudence and theology in 1977 from the Jamia Ahmadiyya international university, Rabwah, Pakistan.
The following are his working experiences Ameer (Head) and Missionary in-charge of Ahmadiyya Muslim mission (2014 to date). Naib Ameer (ii) (deputy head) and Missionary In -charge. He was in charge of finance and administration (1985-2014). Ameer (head) and Missionary in-charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim mission -Zimbabwe (1978-1982). Chairman- board of directors, Rakeem printing press- Tema, Ghana (2010 to date). Chairman – College Council -NJ Ahmadiyya College of Education, Wa. Ghana (2016 to date). Chairman – Board of governors, Jamia Ahmadiyya theological university -2012 to date. Member -Peace council of Ghana – 2016 to date. Member Presidential Commission of inquiry into the creation of new regions, Ghana 2017-2018. Member- Eminent advisory committee to the electoral commission – Ghana.
The Ameer is very hard working and indefatigable and since his appointment in 2014 he has transformed the small and compact area of the national headquarters into a beautiful mosque with ample space for car park. He has also constructed the Ansarullah complex (Aiwan Khidmat) and the Lajna Imaillah residential and guest apartment. Under his leadership the mission continues to cooperate with the Tijaniyya, the Ahlu Sunnat, the Shias and the Ghana Muslim Mission in the National Hilal Committee set up to fix dates for the two Eid festivals in the country.
More grease to his elbows and May Allah help him and the Jamaat in our worldly and spiritual efforts. Amin. This year’s annual gathering is from 22nd to 24th February 2024. A lot of the participants will come from neighbouring countries and the international communities. The conference ground is at Baghy Ahmad near Winneba Round about in the Central Region.
BY KHALID KOFI AHMAD
