Banda Chief denounces unauthorized state house funeral for late businessman

The Banda Chief and head of the Abu Banda Family, Alhaji Mohammed Abu Banda, has distanced the family from a funeral event scheduled to take place at the State House in honour of the late Alhaji Asoma Abu Banda, describing it as unauthorised and misleading.

Addressing the media at the Dr. Alhaji Asoma Banda Mosque in Accra’s Airport Residential Area, Alhaji Mohammed made it clear that the family was not involved in the organisation of the State House event and warned the public to disregard it.

He stated that the late Asoma Banda had specifically requested to be buried at the mosque, a wish the family fulfilled. “He even instructed that a mausoleum be prepared for two—so that one day, his wife of 51 years, Mrs. Cassandra Asoma Banda, could be laid to rest beside him,” he said.

The chief, surrounded by relatives and well-wishers, thanked all those who supported the family during the burial on March 1, 2025. Among the mourners were former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu.

Alhaji Mohammed expressed dismay over an attempt by one Alhaji Abdullah Khalifa, also known as Alhaji Abomour, to hold a separate funeral without the family’s approval or the involvement of the state. “He is not the family head, and whatever he is organising at the State House is neither legitimate nor supported by us,” he emphasized.

He called on the public and the media to ignore any invitation to the State House event, urging them instead to respect the wishes of the deceased and help preserve his legacy and religious principles.

The official 40-day remembrance ceremony, according to the family, will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Dr. Alhaji Asoma Banda Mosque, with prayers led by the National Chief Imam and Quran recitations in memory of the late businessman.

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