Tenkodogo: The Minister of Security, Mahamoudou Sana, demanded rigor and transparency in the construction of the future regional mosque of Tenkodogo, which is financed by contributions from the faithful and goodwill, with an estimated cost of 2 billion 108 million FCFA.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister of Security presided over the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the future grand mosque in the Nakambe region. The mosque is designed to be a modern, three-story building situated on a 4,168-square-meter plot of land, capable of accommodating 3,450 worshippers.
Several members of the government were present alongside Minister Sana, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Crafts, Serge Gnaniodem Pooda, and the Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabre Gouba. The ceremony also saw the attendance of His Majesty Naaba Guiguimpole, Dima of Zoungrantenga, King of Tenkodogo, the President of the Muslim Community of Burkina Faso, El Hadj Moussa Koanda, and co-sponsor Fasnewende Minoungou, known as Prince Akim.
The president of the organizing committee, El Hadj Sana Kabirou, highlighted the project’s intention to replace the old regional mosque, built in 1957, which had become dilapidated and too small for the Muslim community. The total cost of the work is estimated at more than 2 billion 108 million CFA francs, with financing primarily from voluntary contributions and community solidarity.
In his speech, Minister Sana praised the strong popular mobilization around the project, noting that young people, women, and the elderly have already contributed financially. He emphasized the need for rigor in managing the funds:
“These are citizens who give 100 francs, 200 francs or 300 francs for the realization of this work. Those who will manage these contributions must demonstrate transparency and sincerity.”
Minister Sana indicated that he had asked for the list of members of the management committee to ensure administrative and financial monitoring. He warned that accountability would be demanded if the work is not done properly and cautioned the construction company against profit-driven motives:
“This is a mosque, a place of faith, peace, and social cohesion. Any purely lucrative approach should be prohibited.”
The minister also urged defense and security forces to be involved in regularly monitoring the progress of the work. El Hadj Moussa Koanda expressed gratitude to the initiators and authorities for their support and called for continued community mobilization to complete the project.