Tommy Kallon, President Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK
On 7 November 2024, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko II, King of the Ga State, Ghana, visited the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, UK. His Majesty extended his gratitude to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and the Jamaat for the warm hospitality. He expressed a desire for MTA Africa to also be broadcast in the Kadambe language to enable the message of Ahmadiyyat to reach his community in Ghana. He highlighted his ongoing efforts with local charities to combat hunger in Ghana. He acknowledged the collaboration with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in these efforts, recognising the Jamaat’s commitment to humanitarian work and the alleviation of poverty. His Majesty expressed a keen interest in attending the Jalsa Salana UK 2025. During the dinner, he informed Amir Jamaat UK of his willingness to grant land to the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Ghana to work in partnership with the Jamaat in various initiatives – especially agricultural projects to grow food to feed the hungry.
Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat UK, in his closing remarks, expressed profound appreciation for His Royal Majesty’s visit and generosity. He highlighted that the Baitul Futuh Mosque symbolises the Jamaat’s dedication to peace and serves as a platform to foster harmony globally. He also referenced the National Peace Symposium UK, where Huzooraa has repeatedly cautioned world leaders about the risks of escalating conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine. He reiterated that Islam embodies peace and submission, advocating for a spiritual connection to God as the foundation of true peace.
A video was played about the work of the Jamaat in Ghana and across Africa. Another video was played at the request of the King about his humanitarian work through his Ga Mantse Foundation.
At the request of the King, a special silent prayer was led by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib to pray for Ghana and for the King.
5th Pan-African Peace Symposium
The 5th Pan-African Peace Symposium took place on 16 November 2024, at the Baitul Futuh Mosque complex in London, with the theme “Recognition of the Creator – The Pathway to Peace” and was attended by nearly 700 people, with thousands more joining via YouTube. The gathering included distinguished speakers and guests from across the UK, USA, Africa, and beyond, including parliamentarians, diplomats, religious leaders, professionals, and many peace-loving people who recognised the urgent need for conversations around peace, justice, and equality.
The formal proceedings started with a recitation from the Holy Quran with English translation, followed by a welcome address by my humble self.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously sent a message to the gathering, read by Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK. Huzooraa expressed in his message that the Jamaat dedicates every opportunity and platform to promoting peace and bringing people from all walks of life together to foster unity and understanding. Huzooraa also addressed the people of Africa, urging them to free themselves from all forms of deception, corruption, and dishonesty and to be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices for the betterment of their nations.
Among the speakers were Vice President PAAMA USA, Founder-Director of the School of Pan African Thought, Queen Mother from the Ga State of Ghana, and The Gambia High Commissioner to the UK. A goodwill video message from the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology in Tanzania was also played.
Amir Jamaat UK, in his speech, reflected on the significance of the event’s theme, emphasising the teachings of Islam as a means for global peace. The formal session of the event concluded with a silent prayer, followed by dinner. In a series of short interviews, several guests and participants shared their admiration for the smooth and successful organisation of the event. Many first-time attendees expressed their enthusiasm and anticipation for the next edition of the Pan-African Peace Symposium.