Birth of a national Muslim students body in Ghana
The idea of a Ghana Muslim Students Association, GMSA, was mooted in 1972 according to the body's constitution, but at the time, its focus was on tertiary institutions.
A situation that was to change in later years. But even as GMSA was birthed in the University of Ghana, a few miles off Legon, the need for a Muslim association was very much on the cards.
This was in Cantonments, specifically in the Catholic Church - run, St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary school at the time. It was five years on after the formation of GMSA, 1977 and it had humble, diplomatic at a point tense early days.
Birth of AMSA - as told by Dr. Alidu Ali Yallah
The story is told by one of the pioneers of the present-day Aquinas Muslim Students Association, AMSA, Dr. Alidu Ali Yallah, a computer scientist currently based in the United States.
The story in his words with very little edits and commentary is as follows: "Around 1977, three of us in form 3 started the idea of forming AMSA. Our rationale was if there is a Scripture Union, there ought to be a Muslim group as well. The number of Muslim students enrolling in Aquinas was beginning to swell so we thought the time was right.
"The mastermind was one Mohammed Saeed, and the two others were Sakibu Taju Deen and myself Alidu Ali (Now Dr. Alidu Ali Yallah). We drew up a constitution, which I hope still exists (edit: the document has been replaced), and elected officers.
"I was elected President, Mohammed Saeed was Secretary and Sakibu was Treasurer, I believe. One Mohammed Aziz was the vice President. Aziz was in form 2 at the time."
Challenge from the start: Search for a sponsor / patron
Dr. Alidu continues: "The Association had challenges initially because every association back then was required to have a sponsor (present day patron) who should be a teacher in the school.
"There was no Muslim teacher in the school at the time so it was a challenge to find a sponsor. We persevered and were able to convince a math teacher by name of Atsu Swanzy to be our sponsor.
"With that we embarked on planning an inauguration. Going to form 4, I chose to do science while Mohammed Saeed and Sakibu chose to do Arts. I got immersed in my books and did not devote much time to the AMSA.
"The first challenge of the association popped up in 1980, at the time the three pioneers were in Form 5. Mohammed Saeed and Sakibu felt the need to take over the reins from a "busy" Ali."
Accomplishment amid challenges: AMSA launched
Dr. Ali continues: "It was a difficult and contentious time in the history of the young association. Amid the leadership contestation, the group voted to keep me as the president.
"In the same year, 1980, we inaugurated the association much to the dismay of everybody."
"The function made the evening and morning news. It was grand. The new executives put in all efforts and it was just amazing," the narrator added.
Footnotes: Mohammed Saeed died in 2003 in Accra through a motor accident (may Allah have mercy on his soul). Hajj Sakibu is still in Accra.
Wrap up
In wrapping up the recall, Dr. Ali wrote: "After the inauguration, I resigned to concentrate on my books. I returned to lower 6 and rejoined the group again but as a member, not holding any office. I did not go to upper 6.
"While in lower 6 I got admission to the University of Colorado to study medicine but I later transferred to University of Wyoming where I studied Computer Science and currently have a PhD. in Computer Science. I am a college professor and also a Chief Information Officer."
All photos are by courtesy the author/narrator of this recall.
First published: Ramadan 3, 1440 = May 8, 2019.
The idea of a Ghana Muslim Students Association, GMSA, was mooted in 1972 according to the body's constitution, but at the time, its focus was on tertiary institutions.
A situation that was to change in later years. But even as GMSA was birthed in the University of Ghana, a few miles off Legon, the need for a Muslim association was very much on the cards.
This was in Cantonments, specifically in the Catholic Church - run, St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary school at the time. It was five years on after the formation of GMSA, 1977 and it had humble, diplomatic at a point tense early days.
Birth of AMSA - as told by Dr. Alidu Ali Yallah
The story is told by one of the pioneers of the present-day Aquinas Muslim Students Association, AMSA, Dr. Alidu Ali Yallah, a computer scientist currently based in the United States.
The story in his words with very little edits and commentary is as follows: "Around 1977, three of us in form 3 started the idea of forming AMSA. Our rationale was if there is a Scripture Union, there ought to be a Muslim group as well. The number of Muslim students enrolling in Aquinas was beginning to swell so we thought the time was right.
"The mastermind was one Mohammed Saeed, and the two others were Sakibu Taju Deen and myself Alidu Ali (Now Dr. Alidu Ali Yallah). We drew up a constitution, which I hope still exists (edit: the document has been replaced), and elected officers.
"I was elected President, Mohammed Saeed was Secretary and Sakibu was Treasurer, I believe. One Mohammed Aziz was the vice President. Aziz was in form 2 at the time."
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| AMSA executives and members during the inauguration, 1980 |
Dr. Alidu continues: "The Association had challenges initially because every association back then was required to have a sponsor (present day patron) who should be a teacher in the school.
"There was no Muslim teacher in the school at the time so it was a challenge to find a sponsor. We persevered and were able to convince a math teacher by name of Atsu Swanzy to be our sponsor.
"With that we embarked on planning an inauguration. Going to form 4, I chose to do science while Mohammed Saeed and Sakibu chose to do Arts. I got immersed in my books and did not devote much time to the AMSA.
"The first challenge of the association popped up in 1980, at the time the three pioneers were in Form 5. Mohammed Saeed and Sakibu felt the need to take over the reins from a "busy" Ali."
Accomplishment amid challenges: AMSA launched
Dr. Ali continues: "It was a difficult and contentious time in the history of the young association. Amid the leadership contestation, the group voted to keep me as the president.
"In the same year, 1980, we inaugurated the association much to the dismay of everybody."
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| AMSA's pioneer executives |
Present were high dignitaries including the then ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in Ghana, president of the Ghana Muslim Council and renowned brain surgeon at Korlebu, Dr. Mustapha, was also present.
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| Day on the inauguration, AMSA president Alidu Ali seated next to Dr. Mustafa and Behind Pakistani ambassador in Aquinas chapel |
Footnotes: Mohammed Saeed died in 2003 in Accra through a motor accident (may Allah have mercy on his soul). Hajj Sakibu is still in Accra.
Wrap up
In wrapping up the recall, Dr. Ali wrote: "After the inauguration, I resigned to concentrate on my books. I returned to lower 6 and rejoined the group again but as a member, not holding any office. I did not go to upper 6.
"While in lower 6 I got admission to the University of Colorado to study medicine but I later transferred to University of Wyoming where I studied Computer Science and currently have a PhD. in Computer Science. I am a college professor and also a Chief Information Officer."
All photos are by courtesy the author/narrator of this recall.
First published: Ramadan 3, 1440 = May 8, 2019.
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| Alidu Ali receiving advice from Alhaji Otoo, President of the Ghana Muslim Council |
