The Abu Banda family has unequivocally disavowed a funeral ceremony being organized for the late Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda by Alhaji Abdullah Khalifa, also known as Alhaji Abomour. The family, led by Alhaji Mohammed Abu Banda, Head of the Abu Banda Family and Chief of Banda in the Ashanti Region, has publicly declared that the planned event at the State House is unauthorized and lacks their endorsement. This public denouncement comes as a direct challenge to Alhaji Khalifa’s authority to conduct such a significant event on behalf of the family. The family insists that Alhaji Khalifa holds no official position within their ranks and therefore has no standing to represent them in any capacity, particularly in matters as sensitive as funeral arrangements.
The family’s rejection of the State House ceremony goes beyond a mere disagreement over logistics; it represents a fundamental clash over the respect for tradition, religious observance, and the deceased’s final wishes. Alhaji Mohammed Abu Banda underscored the importance of adhering to their religious customs and honoring the specific requests of his late elder brother, Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda. This commitment to religious duty and familial respect forms the core of their objection to the unauthorized event. The family believes that Alhaji Khalifa’s actions disregard these fundamental principles, thereby disrespecting both the deceased and the family itself.
In stark contrast to the unauthorized event, the Abu Banda family has announced an official 40-day funeral service to commemorate Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda’s life and legacy. Scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., the service will be held at the deceased’s mosque in the Airport Residential Area. This location holds profound significance as Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda personally built the mosque, demonstrating his deep devotion to his faith. The family’s choice of venue underscores their commitment to honoring his religious beliefs and fulfilling his expressed desire to be buried within the sacred space he created.
The official 40-day funeral service is not only a tribute to Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda’s life but also a reaffirmation of the family’s unity and adherence to tradition. The family extends an open invitation to the public to join them in this solemn occasion, emphasizing the inclusive nature of their remembrance. The presence of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, to lead the prayers and the reading of the Quran further signifies the religious importance of the event. This gathering, sanctioned by the family and conducted according to their customs, stands in stark contrast to the unauthorized ceremony organized by Alhaji Khalifa.
Further emphasizing their adherence to Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda’s wishes, the family revealed that he had requested to be buried in the mosque he built and that a mausoleum be prepared for himself and his wife of 51 years, Mrs. Cassandra Asoma Banda. This detail reveals the deep bond the deceased shared with his wife and his desire to be eternally connected to her even in death. By fulfilling this request, the family not only honors his memory but also celebrates the enduring love story between Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda and his wife.
The family’s statement also included an expression of gratitude towards President John Dramani Mahama and the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, for their presence and support during the initial burial of Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda. This acknowledgement underscores the respect and recognition the deceased commanded within both governmental and religious spheres. It further serves to legitimize the family’s position in the dispute over the unauthorized funeral ceremony, highlighting their connection to prominent figures within the community. Their public expression of gratitude reinforces the family’s stance that they, and not Alhaji Khalifa, represent the legitimate voice and authority regarding matters concerning Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda’s final rites.
