The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has honoured illustrious businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Yusif Ibrahim, with a royal ball on his birthday at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. 

With a three-course ala carte at the palace, the Asantehene, joined by tens of high-profile personalities from various segments of society, paid glowing tribute to Alhaji Ibrahim, describing the Dara Salem Group Executive Chairman as a great, honest and transparent man who has touched the fabric of the Ghanaian society and paid his due to the country’s development journey.

Those at the bow-tie gala dinner included a former President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas; a former Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, and agricultural scientist and politician, Dr Abu Sakara Foster.

The others were the Chief Executive Officer of the King Faisal Football Club, Alhaji Abdul Karim Gruzah; a former Minister of Agriculture, Kwesi Ahwoi, and a former Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Naa Alhassan Andani.

"My childhood Zongo friend”

Asantehene, after proposing a toast for his "childhood Zongo friend", made some touching comments about his long-time relationship with the celebrant.

"I remember very well when I used to come to your house. We shared meals together, my wife Lady Julia, was also always in your home to cement our relationship," he said.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said Alhaji Yusif was a person who showed affection and love to his friends, saying “He has shown me loyalty and I say a thank you.”

"Indeed, Asanteman celebrates you. My childhood Zongo friend.

You are worth celebrating," the Asantehene said to cheers from the gathering.

The Asantehene recounted how his friendship with Alhaji Yusif whom he had known since their formative years in Alabar when they used to visit the racecourse to watch horse-racing together had blossomed until now.

He referenced how Alhaji Yusif had supported him with funds when he was returning to the country in 1999 just before he ascended the Asantehene stool.

"You have always been with me, even before I ascended the throne as the Asantehene.

The gods of our land and Asanteman celebrates you on your 80th birthday," the Asantehene toasted.

Banking with integrity

For his part, Mr Osafo-Maafo also recounted his days and banking experience with Ibrahim at Bank for Housing and Construction, describing him as someone who would tell you the truth no matter the consequences.

"I remember my experience with Alhaji at the bank. He would tell you the difficult truth that many would not. He showed us the way to go and it surely materialised," he said, describing him as a steward.

Mr Osafo-Maafo also recounted his experience with the celebrant when it comes to religious tolerance.

"Everybody in my village knows Alhaji. He accompanied me to church events. Your religious tolerance is worth emulating," he stated.

Dr Chambas

Dr Chambas also shared fond memories of his association with Alhaji Ibrahim, describing him as an astute banker who defied all odds to rise to such an enviable height.

"You showed us the way to do banking. You were always ready to provide the needed banking support to all,” he said.

Golf club/family

A cross-section of the Kumasi Golf Club showed up to celebrate Alhaji Ibrahim, who is a well-known golfer and said he was a force to reckon with.

The wife of Alhaji Ibrahim, Hajia Rabi Yusif, in a speech read on her behalf, also shared some touching comments about her husband and said even when they met in another world, she would still choose him as a husband.

"You have been my fortress all this while. Myself, your children, and grandchildren would forever remain grateful to you for your exemplary leadership, love and care," Hajia Rabi stated.

Biography

Alhaji Ibrahim is a shareholder and former Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana) Ltd and the Executive Chairman and owner of Dara Salem Group of Companies.

The subsidiaries of the group include Busi and Stephenson Ghana Ltd, a leading Wood Treatment factory; African Transformers Limited, a transformer production company; Dara Salam Estates Ltd; Daboya Company Ltd, an estates company providing warehousing facilities, and Osagyefo Leadership International School, a leading private basic and junior high school.

Alhaji Ibrahim is associated with many companies in the country and abroad and services on various boards and trusts and is a recipient of multiple awards, including the national Order of the Volta award.