Ambariya Institute Launches GH¢10 Million Endowment Fund as New Head takes Over
Thousands of Islamic faithful, politicians, traditional rulers and adherents of the Ambariya Islamic Institute gathered in Tamale on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for the investiture of the institution’s new head and the launch of a GH¢10 million endowment fund to support its long-term development.
Sheikh Tanko Abukari, believed to be over 90 years old, succeeded the late Sheikh Saeed Abukari after serving as his deputy since 2007.
In his address, the new head pledged to expand Da’wah (Islamic propagation), complete existing infrastructure projects and establish institutions capable of managing the affairs of the community while accelerating development and improving the welfare of its members.
The launch of the endowment fund formed a major highlight of the ceremony, with organisers seeking to establish a sustainable financial base for the institute’s educational and religious activities.
At the event, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, immediate past Vice Chancellor of UDS, who will oversee the fund officially launched it and called on alumni, parents, business leaders, philanthropists and the wider Muslim community to support the initiative.
He said the institute had relied largely on occasional donations and annual fundraising for its operations over the past 75 years, describing the arrangement as unsustainable in meeting its long-term needs.
According to him, the fund would support scholarships for deserving students, improve educational facilities, provide resources for teachers and academic programmes, and facilitate the acquisition of books, technology and other learning materials.
More than GH¢200,000 in donations was reportedly received at the launch, while several prominent personalities made financial commitments towards the fund.
President John Dramani Mahama, represented by the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, donated GH¢50,000 to the initiative.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, represented by former Northern Regional Minister Salifu Saeed, also donated GH¢20,000.
The Pishigu Lana, Naa Alhassan Andani, a former Managing Director of Stanbic Bank Ghana, pledged an annual contribution of GH¢100,000 towards sustaining the fund.
Professor Al-hassan urged stakeholders to take collective ownership of the initiative, emphasising that contributions of all sizes would help secure the institute’s future.
He said the endowment was an investment in knowledge, faith and character, with benefits expected to extend to generations yet unborn.
Established in 1951 by Sheikh Yusuf Sualih Ajura, popularly known as Afa Ajura, the Ambariya Islamic Institute began in the porch of his house at Sakasaka in Tamale with 24 students.
The institution has since grown to an estimated student population of more than 3,000 and operates about 40 branches across the region and the country.
Its mission is to promote value-based learning by integrating Islamic principles with scholarship, moral development and community service.
CREDIT: Iddrisu Kumbundoo
