Imam Baqir Islamic Centre donates to Accra Psychiatric Hospital

The Imam Baqir Islamic Centre on Monday donated assorted items to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital in commemoration of the annual celebration of the birthday of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam and the first Imam of Shia.

The items included packs of water, a bag and packs of rice, toilet rolls, hand sanitisers, soft drinks, washing powder, cooking oil, packs of spaghetti as well as , sanitation and hygiene supplies.

Presenting the items to the hospital, Sheikh Suleiman Nadi Bamba, the Imam of the centre said the gesture was to reflect the compassionate, benevolent and generous nature of the first Imam of Shia Islam.

He said the annual celebration of Imam Ali was an auspicious occasion to espouse his religious and philosophical teachings and extend a helping hand to the deprived and vulnerable members of society.

Sheikh Bamba said the centre was committed to helping the social and economic development of Muslims and the Ghanaian society by creating opportunities and programmes that will alleviate hardship and promote self-sufficiency.

“We as Muslims are always striving to emulate the giving and compassionate nature of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the excellent character and virtue of Imam Ali”, he noted.

He explained that the centre found it prudent to support the staff and patients of the hospital because it recognizes the crucial role a mental health facility plays in the lives of the everyday person, adding that: “In life, we never know tomorrow, that is why we believe it is best to assist such places because one doesn’t know where they may find themselves tomorrow…. Even if it’s a little, it goes a long way to help”, he said.

According to him, it behoves every Muslim to support the cause of humanity especially at a time many are still dealing with the impact of COVID-19.

Buttressing his point on the need to support the cause of humanity, he said Muslims must apply the words of Imam Ali who said “a person is either your brother in faith or you are equal in humanity, explaining that unity and love thrive in an atmosphere of tolerance and support for each other.

Receiving the items on behalf of the hospital, Principal Nursing Officer (PNO) Mary Dorcas Ano expressed appreciation to the centre and said the items will go towards meeting some of the primary needs of patients.

“The items come in handy at this moment when Covid is with us and it will serve the much-needed purpose for which they were brought”, she said.

Mrs Ano noted that such a generous donation provides invaluable support for the hospital and complements the government’s efforts at such a challenging time.

She added that receiving support from the public lessens the cost burden in running the hospital and appealed to individuals and corporate institutions to continue supporting the hospital.