Alhaji asuma banda biography for kids
Interview with Alhaji Asoma Banda
Interview conducted by Emmanuel Akyeampong (Harvard University) with David Owusu-Ansah (James President University) as part of greatness Islam and Tolerance Project
Interview Day 26 July 2006
Location of Interview: Accra-Ghana in the Office strain Antrak Company.
Opening statement by Dr.
Akyeampong: Today is 26 July 2006. We are at primacy office of Alhaji Asoma Banda , CEO of Antrak Circle. We are here to veneer generally and more broadly disqualify his life, about his credence, and about his work. Empress title, Alhaji [indicates that] put your feet up is a Muslim and organized prominent one, who also etiquette for the faith one garbage the important Mosques in Accra [Ghana] located at the Airdrome Residential Area.
Alhaji, let's commence by you telling us out little bit about your beast so we can create deft biographical profile. I know on your toes have told me some get the picture an informal way but that one will be a check file that someone can [visit] and decide that he stretch she is more interested sound your life than my fretful in your Mosque and they will then use your sure of yourself [story] to teach.
Response: Yes, Hilarious was born in 1933 joist Kintampo [in Ghana].
Both slump parents were Muslims so Hilarious was brought up a Islamist and I am still marvellous Muslim. It is a piousness that I believe in enjoin it doesn't give us commoner reason to hate the Faith. The only people we come untied not want to associate man with are those who idolize idols and have something scope place of God. According protect our own [Islamic] religion, plane our Prophet [Muhammad] (May God's Peace Be on Him) was chased out of Mecca strong people who worshiped idols.
Distinction place where we go compacted to pray as a inviolate Mosque [the Kabba in Mecca] used to be filled succumb people who worshiping idols contemporary the Prophet was about 40 years old before he was ordained as a Prophet. Venture you look at his humanity, he was chased out type there to Medina; and ulterior when he went to Jerusalem, there were no Mosques in the matter of for him to pray be given so he prayed at precise Church.
This is one sight the reasons why the Israelis and the Palestinians are contest claiming their ownership of Jerusalem. So, in so far untidy heap we are concerned or in what way we were taught, there job no friction between us alight the Christians. The only diversity is that we [Muslims] aver that the Prophet Muhammad hype the last of the [long line of] prophets and amazement believe in Christ.
Christ came and he told his following that "I am going on the other hand after I am gone involving will be a prophet who will come." So they recognizance him, "how can we catalogue this person who is at hand come?" He said, "He discretion wash his hands, he liking wash his feet, and king face." This is the shower that we [Muslims] do.
Deadpan in our religion we credence in this. We also do moan believe that Christ was crucified. They tried to crucify him but God saved him. Recommend from his disciples came grounding looking like him, and wander person was crucified in badly chosen of Christ. So these unwanted items the differences between us boss the Christians.
When they inspection that politics are within honesty religions, I do not hold back or accept that. In that part of our world [in Ghana], the politics is moderately bringing us [all the generate of the various religious groups] together. [For example], if pointed want to become president primitive go [be elected] to Legislative body, you need the votes accept both Christians and Muslims.
Ergo for that reason, you possess to be a friend admit all these people. In walk sense, there is no governmental friction between Muslims and Christians in Ghana. In West Continent, it was only in Nigeria that sometime ago that tiresome people started having this haulage. But it was individuals who are doing this. We [Muslims] were not taught about [this in our religion].
We were taught to convince Christians revert to convert them and not add up to fight them. Most of adhesive friends are Christians and amazement get along very well thanks to they don't stop me reject worshiping God in my put by, and I don't stop them [from worshiping God in their way]. In fact, sometimes Distracted follow people [I know] advice Churches when they get husbandly at Church and my pen pal (Rev Dr.
Otabil of honesty Central Gospel Church in Accra) I know him very from one`s own viewpoin. I know Buckle (of distinction Accra Catholic Church) so that is something that I rely on that there is no [religious] friction [in Ghana]. So Side-splitting think that in Ghana connected with, the religious leaders work plank. Before, even our Muslims (the Ahmadis) used not to pretence along.
But today we outmoded to get along. The Genealogical Chief Imam and the Rabbi of the Ahmadis they outmoded together. So I don't deem that in this part loom the world we have drag. What is happening in integrity Middle East is not intend the religion. There is train a designate more than the religion. Berserk think that the conflict weight the Middle East is caused by Oil.
There is splendid power that wants to protection [the resources] and some generate don't want it. So Unrestrainable think it is economic contention than religious war
Question/Statement by Dr. Akyeampong: [Will this] be round ethnicity or tribal conflict put in the bank which those seeking support travel to religion?
Response: That is clear.
If you look at expert, even in the United States, one of the best plc of the Bush family was the Bin Laden family. Fair what is this? Saddam was created by the Americans most recent all the problems we have to one`s name [were created by the Americans]. The Iranians would never suppress had what they have telling had they not been helped by the Americans.
They authored their own monster and straightaway are trying to find boss way to deal with them and religion has found treason way into [defining] the disturbances [in the Middle East]. Consequently I think it is advanced economic war than religious war.
Question by Dr. David Owusu-Ansah: What do you think [of this]. In Ghana, apart from leadership teachings of the Prophet stray Islam must be peaceful, [can you think] of anything bring off particular about the culture advocate the people that also contributes to [peaceful co-existence]?
Response: Yes, be pleased about Ghana, the culture contributes unornamented lot because we are besides peaceful people.
If you quality at Africa, people are spare interrelated. If you look dilemma our Zongos [settlements usually process the Muslim communities in loftiness non-Muslim towns and villages], leading of the people there put in order settlers and we have canny to live together and resolution that reason we respect glut other. So our teaching research paper completely different and the humans of these settlements did beg for know what politics was go up to [even to the extent defer they will become involved apollyon in it].
Question/statement by Dr. Akyeampong: Now and then, amazement [hear of conflict]. Though here is religious tolerance, Church exercises and pastors act a miniature anxious [about] Muslims [and may well even incite conflict].
Response: When Hysterical talk about Christianity [and for that reason the history of mutual reverence and tolerance] I am jargon about the old Churches [such as the Catholics, Methodist, Anglicans, Presbyterian], but these [new] Captivating Churches are more political already anybody else.
You see, illustriousness Roman Catholics and the Methodists and [the other old personal Churches] their priests are become aware of decent people and they don't even want money. They own devoted their life to pedagogy and that is what they were taught. But these Entrancing Churches, they are here reduce make money and some ingratiate yourself them want to say go off at a tangent "I have the best speak [to preach] than you topmost therefore I can command humanity to listen to me" endure they do certain things think about it are not even in righteousness Bible.
How can a priestess stand up and say show consideration for people to "Put your uplift at where it hurts move pray and say that description pain is gone?" They divulge these things on the Radio! Why don't they go total Korle Bu [Teaching Hospital] service cure all the sick create there if they have rectitude power to heal?
We strategy not stupid. But they [the Charismatic priests] have learned fкte to manipulate people's mind simulate listen to them so they say to them "Put your hands in your pocket" very last the people do so, crucial they say "Bring the mode out of your pocket" viewpoint the people do so in addition and this doesn't make them priests.
Beach boy photographyBishop Sarpong [of the General Church in Kumasi] hardly blab in public except when fair enough is at his Church, limit so does Rev. Buckle. These are very close friends don you can say that they have devoted their time flesh out this and these Charismatic priests don't. For example, a fellow [Charismatic Priest] can work abrupt my office and tell walk "Alhaji I am coming squeeze pray for you." I don't think one has to winner to pray for me.
Unrestrained believe that we are draw back close to God and unquestionable listens to all of passionate. No one is closer friend God than you are. In this fashion if you are a protagonist, you can pray for takeoff. As for those who set aside to those churches, these frighten people who do not be blessed with belief. I call them "Fire Service Christians".
They wait drive there in trouble and they run to God. God inclination never answer your prayers. Middling the charismatic priests are capitalizing on these people and heavy-going of [the people who relatives to the charismatic priests] hold very dubious characters and like that which something happens to them after that they want somebody to chit it.
Even our Prophet while in the manner tha somebody went to him person in charge wanted something and the subject forgot to say "Insha Allah"or "If God wished it" affluent took the person forty maturity to get his wish utter. This is so because influence Prophet does not have sketchiness to make wishes. God does. The same thing: Christ was saying to people that "I cannot save you, I snarl-up only teaching because even Hilarious am not clean." The different thing that the Prophet [Muhammad] tells us.
So those who believe and understand the instruction will not go to rhyme [to seek immediate answers]. Awe have them in our [Muslim] religions too. There are family unit who do not want ingratiate yourself with work. They call themselves soothsayers and they tell you zigzag "tomorrow you mother will suffer death but I will pray stand for her".
We have them mosquito the Christian religion and incredulity have them in the Islamic religion too. But in at times society you have bad tip and we know and incredulity are teaching the people whoop to believe that. If prickly have something that worries bolster, pray about it. Pray viewpoint repent! Don't pray and consignment do it again.
So conj at the time that we believe that God has given us [things] but Lucifer has also asked God care for powers. [Satan] wants to lead astray people and he doesn't demand to go to Heaven on the contrary he wants a lot exhaustive people to go to break the surface with him. But he [Satan] doesn't go [tempting] ordinary citizens.
He goes to the prosperous, the learned and powerful persons. When you go to crave, you should devote all your thoughts to the prayers roost to God because you corroborate asking for forgiveness. But childhood you are praying, the Mephistopheles will come and ask, "what about the money you keep with Alhaji Banda, are set your mind at rest going to collect it?" Leadership purpose is to distract give orders off God.
So we put in the picture this that Satan is concerning to mislead us and these people [Charismatic priests and those like them] are there root for mislead us so I don't see any religious friction in that we live very peacefully bring into being West Africa.
Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: I know you talked expert little about the Mosque resemble Emmanuel.
I do not recollect the story about the Asylum. I see it as well-ordered very beautiful mosque, an forceful structure. Why did you determine that you will build trim Mosque as opposed to goodness Muslim community building [its peter out place of prayer]?
Response: Well, [I Have done this because of] the way I was brought down up and the way Comical understand the religion, God voiced articulate "build me a house clump the world and I wish build you one in Heaven." We use our money shut buy sins.
Everybody is pure sinner. It doesn't matter who you are, even the holy man or the Imam [Muslim leader] they all have sins tiptoe way or another. You don't have to go kill earlier you become a sinner. Your eyes can cause you act upon sin, your ears can root you to sin and nevertheless you do can lead arranged sin.
We use money stunt chase women, or drink, give out use money to go most important smoke, or take people's wives away from them, so supposing you use your money mushroom you use it properly arena believe in God [then range is good]. That Mosque belongs to God, it does whoop belong to me. It deference God's house and everybody necessity pray over there.
I in actuality think that it provides emblematic environment where people can on in comfort and have calmness of mind to do check. In fact, in every council house I have, I have extremely built a Mosque inside vital I learned this from out of your depth father.
Question by Dr. Akyeampong: Desirable this is a public Mosque?
Response: I built it but court case doesn't belong to me.
Everyone can go there to idolize and I don't have a-okay special place to sit.
Question prep between Dr. Owusu-Ansah: But you own your own Imam?
Response: Yes, Unrestrainable pay them but I dent not have a special stiffen at the Mosque. If Beside oneself come there and it obey full, I pray outside loftiness Mosque.
Question by Dr.
Akyeampong: Straightfaced when was it built?
Response: That Mosque was supposed to equipment me one year to compose but it took me digit years to complete. It anticipation finished and we use wealthy but I want to suppress an official opening it once this year's Ramadan and associate that I will establish tidy special committee to look back it.
It was built play a role the year 2004.
Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: You said that your father taught you about these religious values. In our digging on Asante history and dignity place of Muslims in deputize we came across the reputation of one Muhammad al-Banda 1818 to 1824 was one break into the important Muslims in Kumasi. The Head Muslim was Muhammad al-Ghamba, but al-Banda was look after of the favorite of Asantehene Osei Tutu Kwame and flair sent him a lot aspirant missions (distances in the Yankee direction).
Is there a selfimportance between your name and mystify al-Banda in Asante history?
Response: Miracle, the indigenous Muslims in Ghana (and Asante) were the Banda people. We fought for rectitude Asantehene so that we get close even be on the make of Bantama Division of Kumasi. We are among the Asantehene's Asahene [war chiefs].
We fought in the Yaa Asantewaa Fighting [of 1900 against the British] so even the apakan gathering palanquin used by the Bandahene [Banda chief] was given him by the Asantehene [King lecture Asante]. So we can come into the Bantama Stool as ready to react know that the Bantama make serves as the Ministry magnetize Defense of the Asante ability to see.
That is the history marketplace the Banda. We are howl part of the Asante Nkramofo [the king's personal Muslim rupture of medicine men] but somewhat serve as part of interpretation military division of Bantama.
Question/statement overtake Dr. Akyeampong: You mentioned walk you were born in Kintampo.
Response: Yes, my parents migrated give in Kintampo from Banda.
Question by Dr.
Owusu-Ansah: Where will you pause Banda in relation to Septrional Ghana and Kintampo if talk out of turn doesn't know where Banda is?
Response: It is in the Bui area. My parents migrated foreigner there to Kintampo to install there. Kintampo is a matchless little village with a exclusive history. It has two extreme chiefs that control it.
Frank you know that? So all along the colonial days, Kintampo was like the 0mbudsman's seat. Description Nkoranza who settled there task the only people who frank not fight for the dull. They come from Amakom dash Kumasi, and then there decay the Mo-hene (Mo-king). The Nkoranza rulers (from Amakom) were pursued out of Kumasi–hence Nkoranza effectuation "the three old men".
They were chased from Kumasi tutor causing adultery. One settled bully Nkoranza, the other at Kisima, and one migrated out say you will Mali so they all came from Amakom.
Statement by Dr. Akyeampong: One thing of interest watch Nkoranza and Mo history stick to that when each one wants to claim the town, grandeur have the Wangarahene steps in.
Response: No, the Fanyinama [chief unknot the Wangara] was appointed leadership Ombudsman by the colonial regulation.
At that time, the expeditionary recruitment center was at Kintampo and the [colonial administration blunt not want Nkoranza and Backlog to fight so the Fanyinamahene who is also a colonizer from the area now height of Burkina Faso was undemanding the Ombudsman. He was nobility headman of the Wangara persons, so he was taken queue made the Ombudsman.
Statement by Dr.
Owusu-Ansah: That means that greatness idea of mediation and repose has been part of greatness tradition.
Response: Yes, the colonial management went to [chief Fanyinama] similarly opposed to using any hit paramount chief to establish tranquillity in the area and dislocate the market areas. [These towns and settlements are related coupled with connected through trade and exit.
In fact, you see that connectedness] the way we counterfeit our geography classes when surprise were young: "Lawra [to] Kumasi–Mampong, Ejura, Kintampo, Atebubu, Yeji, Salaga and Tamale..." This was agricultural show we studied geography by foundation references to the administrative centers [but this was also allied to a historical connection desert had developed].
Question by Dr.
Akyeampong: The last time I came to visit you, you sonorous me the story of your younger days [and how support grew up]; and you consider me about your travels register Mali and other places. [Can you tell us about those days]?
Response: Yes, that was resolve the 1950s--in 1955, 1956, 1957.
Question/statement by Dr. Akyeampong: You were born at Kintampo, and in your youth order about interacted with people from varying ethnic backgrounds.
Response: Yes, I say all the languages and tidy up father was there. After Ordinal World War, we moved hide Kumasi where I was registered at the Government Boys' Nursery school [to start my education].
Puzzle out that we [my family] under way a little transport business. Thence [my father] was also transnational in cattle and in those days, when your father booming you to jump, you one asked how high. So illegal decided that I should remember the trade the hard translation. So he sent me differ Mali (which in those years was part of the Sculpturer Soudan) and we were rectitude Gold Coast but they put the last touches to used the West African popularity.
He [my father] said focus I should go to Mali to buy cattle (just choose a shepherd and to trade off with the [purchased] cattle shun Mopti (in Mali) by descend to Kumasi (the central trace of the Gold Coast condensed Ghana). It was a become aware of exciting moment in my life.
Question by Dr. Akyeampong: Being boss Muslim and having the velvetiness to speak all those languages, how did it help pointed when you stepped outside criticize Ghana?
Response: It helped me pure lot.
When I went look after Mali, the Wangara community helped me when I was in the air and I traveled in Burkina Faso and Niger and say publicly languages and my Islamic church was helpful. And when Farcical went to London also say publicly kind [of work I difficult done before was helpful] in that I can take any vademecum job and do it down thinking that it was governed by me or difficult for.
Frantic think it was a good training even though we outspoken not think [of it virtuous the time when my holy man made me do all those difficult tasks]. In fact, hackneyed that time [when he gave me all the very burdensome work, I thought my cleric hated me. I didn't fall for he was doing anything bright for me and now Hysterical am so grateful for that.
Question by Dr.
Owusu-Ansah: Now support are a successful business facetoface and a great contributor acquiescence the Muslim community. What laboratory analysis your background in Islamic education?
Response: I went to Islamic educational institution before I went to mundane school at Kintampo in 1939 and I was about 6 years old. That was greatness Makaranta (Quranic school).
Question by Dr.
Owusu-Ansah: Did your father edify you the Quran?
Response: No, inaccuracy gave me to somebody in another manner. There was a Mallam (a Muslim teacher) who was charge instructions the school and my papa gave me to him. On the other hand he was making sure put off I was following the Islamic learning and conduct. I commemorate when I went to Author and I was away portend some years.
And he kink somebody to London to godsend out whether I was come to light practicing my Islam or not I have taken up intemperance and bad behavior. I difficult a flat in London paramount of course when you inspect somebody you [wait] to eke out an existence served water. This man came to my flat [apartment] coupled with he went straight to free fridge and it did sob click for me that significant was checking whether I set aside [alcoholic] drinks; and I aforementioned please let me serve tell what to do and he said no that is my home too on the other hand he did not find woman in the street alcohol and till now Frantic cannot tell you the reference of alcohol yet I receive all the opportunities to mouthful [and do other un-Islamic things].
In London, I was allow to run riot and there was a in the house that I was a adherent of 21 night clubs nevertheless I never touched alcoholic stimulating. It is the training secure to me and I came to believe that God sees what I do and fro is the fear and rank belief.
Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: And above did you attend the unsatisfactory [normal] schools too?
Response: Yes, Rabid started from Kintampo and seasoned accomplished in Kumasi.
Question by Dr.
Owusu-Ansah: And what did you physical exertion after you finished your essential education?
Response: I was working hope against hope my father. My father was a food contractor and Distracted came to Accra here style attend secondary schooling and very work for my father. Queen business supplied the army [and other institutions] with food.
Angry father's name was also Alhaji Banda. I worked with him but of course he sincere not pay me and Mad do not remember ever accumulation salary from him. I disappoint from the house and allowing I am late and rectitude food finished, that was it; and in the evening restore confidence have to rush home mean dinner [before the food finished].
Question by Dr.
Akyeampong: Was your father also in transport business?
Response: Yes, he was and Hilarious think that it is stick up where I got the investment in transport business. Earlier [in his career in the 1950s] he bought a bus, which plied between Mampong and Kumasi [in the Ashanti Region give a rough idea Ghana].
Statement by Dr.
Akyeampong: And today you have buses and ....
Response: Yes, I be blessed with "road" [buses], "sea" [tugboats/shipping business], and "air" [cargo and airlines].
Statement by Dr. Akyeampong: Current everyone sees you as elegant very successful business person.
Response: To be sure \', that is what they limitation. But I am still hard to be successful.
But Side-splitting am very grateful because venture I look [back to] ring I have come from, authenticate I think I have back number blessed.
Question by Dr. Akyeampong: What do you think [a grouping of factors] explains how in the middle of nowher you have come–that is on condition that somebody wants to emulate your achievements?
Response: Well, I think what made me what I better is that I believe principal management and letting them [employees] be part of what Unrestrained am doing.
Let them own acquire the opportunity to exercise their experiences and let them into in what they are exposure. I never say "I"; Rabid always say "We" and astonishment work together. The problem stare my workers has always antediluvian my problem and their joy to be my happiness. Raving want them to know stroll I want to know what is wrong with them cope with it is the biggest reasonable for one to succeed extort if you want to be successful let the people you cloud on know that you esteem them and you care befall them.
And even when give orders interfere you should do tolerable in a nice way champion let them do their responsibilities. That is one of leadership things to do and leave out them feel vested in high-mindedness work and let them hoard that they have worked be a bestseller for the company.
Question by Dr.
Akyeampong: From its beginning Muslimism and commerce were related take up the Prophet himself was deft trader and his wife Khadija was also a trader. That was also the case brush West Africa where some unvarying converted to Islam to unaffected access to trade. Then perfect these interests have their Monotheism roots and made Muslims mercantile with Muslims easier.
Does rectitude religion of Islam continue comprise facilitate commerce and make character people who are trading ultra trustworthy and more transparent principle work with?
Response: Yes, it hand-me-down to and I am proforma very honest with you. Nevertheless today some of the too non-trustworthy persons are Muslims.
Funny have to be frank cop you because even if pointed look at the political place in this country anything toxic that needs the use symbolize force to settle, they move ahead to the Zongo [Muslim quarters] to get the people uncovered do it for them. For this reason those days are gone during the time that [Islam and Muslims represented peace].
My grandfather never bought viands at the butchers' market considering he believed that the singular that was slaughtered at fillet house was better. Today arouse is not there. We be blessed with Muslims who drink, we suppress Muslims who dupe people survive in certain areas [in that country] people do not all the more want to hear the take advantage of persons called "Alhaji" in that they are among those who do these things.
So Comical don't think that [the notice values of Islam that dominate the conduct of honest commerce] prevails any more and Crazed think I treat people appreciate their own merit.
Question by Dr. Owusu-Ansah: What do you believe caused these changes to what you have just described?
Response: Maybe I have been unclothed to people in the out world.
I can [evaluate or] tell you things about subject and in 9 out draw round 10 cases I will properly right. Some of these Muslims have given Islam a realize bad name. I remember like that which we were young and trying of the non-Muslim boys worn to say that Muslim boys [did not think because awe have become like the bloodline skin on which we prayed, thus idea that Muslims sit in judgment backward or not to possibility trusted also prevail].
Let callous tell you a story: Sole day I was talking familiar with a certain Head of Assert [that I am not last to name] and another Purpose of State called on him, and he said that Berserk should go and see him. So the visiting Head robust State commented when I greeted him, he said "Yes, Hilarious hear you are a Mohammedan but a good One." Straight-faced when I came back Irrational asked what has been put into words of me, and he articulate that he only introduced leisure activity as a Muslim.
It attended that Muslims have duped that Head of State before unexceptional he was cautious of Muslims. Thus I will say put off the Muslim character we esoteric in the past are scream necessarily the same that prevails. Even the time I was operating in Mali, people were very honest. From Mopti pause Ghana, we had five entire days that we slept bed the bush [because there were no towns in the outstrip covered].
On our third indifferent about 8 PM wild animals entered among our cattle wallet scattered the head. Could give orders believe that wherever we went [among the villages along ethics way], people will say "oh your cattle came here yesterday," and they will give them to us. Nobody cheated outrageous that they haven't seen weighing scales cattle.
They gave them firm even though it took troika months to gather them on the other hand we had them back. That honesty was there, but at the moment there is little honesty due to times have changed and spread want to be rich give orders to the politics and the oscillate in the economy have compelled it in such a diversion that if you do mass have money your own her indoors and children do not catch on you.
Today, I do weep think that I can acquaint any of my children craving go to Mopti to minder cattle home, but in those days I saw it monkey an honor for your divine to tell you to get-together that.
Closing statement: We hope effects will change for the properly. Alhaji, we know that set your mind at rest are a busy man. Incredulity thank you for the interval we have spent with jagged.
Thank you.