The bank as part of its corporate social responsibility towards the Muslim community which remains a vital chunk of its clientele, has donated an undisclosed amount of money alongside different kinds of food items to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, to aid his annual assistance to the needy in the community during the fasting period.

The items included branded prayer mats, bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, assorted beverages, bags of sugar, packs of Lipton, milk products, and milo.

The company believes that this will go a long way to ensure the Chief Imam puts a smile on the faces of his family and the Muslim Ummah around him during the Eid-ul-Fitr to climax the 30 days of Ramadan.

Managing Director, BAO Ghana, Abderrahmane Belbachir, led the staff to present the items to the National Chief Imam at his Fadama residence in Accra on Sunday.

He expressed his profound gratitude to the Chief Imam on behalf of the brand and commended his efforts in handling national issues concerning the religion to ensure peace and harmony prevail in the country having been recognised as a peace ambassador.

He highlighted that BOA as a bank from Morocco- an Islamic country, has an Islamic background and as such understands the pillars and principles of Islam as well as the relevance of Ramadan. This, coupled with the objectives of the bank that holds its customers in high esteem necessitated the kind gesture.

“As Management and Staff of Bank of Africa, we are very proud to support the Muslim community in this month of Ramadan. As a business, we are here for the wealth, health, happiness and prosperity of all people, not only the Muslim community but all businesses and individuals in the country and beyond.

“We deem it a great privilege to be here supporting the Chief Imam and all Muslims. We will continue to serve all customers and clients with the very best of our abilities and pray for the Muslim community during this period to stay strong and believe in the teachings of Allah,” he said.

Sheikh Sharubutu thanked the bank for the gesture and prayed for Allah’s elevation and protection for the company.  He indicated that Allah loves a cheerful giver and as they have given willingly, Allah will bless all their business endeavours.

Spokesperson for National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, speaking on behalf of the Chief Imam to the media on the sideline, indicated that over the years Bank of Africa has made it a point to always support the Muslim community and the Office of the Imam is aware and will continue to pray for all such businesses for Allah to ensure they stay in businesses for long so they can support the needy.

“Indeed, many Muslims do come to the residence of the national Imam to feast and what BOA has done would add to the stock of food that the Chief Imam uses to support these people. We know there is a greater chunk of success ahead for the bank and the people who continue to do business with them,” he said.

BOA, Moroccan embassy holds Iftar

Subsequently, the bank in collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy also held a feast for Muslims during the break of the Ramadan fast at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel.

This forms part of its annual tradition to join in fellowship with its clients, partners, directors and friends to celebrate the diversity of faith in the almighty Allah.

The high-profile Iftar, which is the evening meal that breaks each day’s fast during Ramadan, was attended by several Ambassadors and dignitaries from the Islamic-dominated countries in Africa and the Middle East.

MD of Bank of Africa said: “Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and generosity. As we gather here tonight, surrounded by the spirit of unity and compassion, let us take a moment to appreciate the blessings of this sacred month and the opportunity it presents for personal and collective renewal.”

Ambassador of Morocco, Ouaadil Imane, in her remarks, urged the diplomatic class not to forget those who are less fortunate and may not have the means to celebrate Ramadan in the same way. “Let us remember to extend a helping hand to those in need,” she said.

She took the opportunity to wish all a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, joy, and spiritual growth. “May this sacred month bring you closer to your faith and one another,” she added.