President John Mahama has appointed Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen, a respected Muslim cleric, pharmacist, and humanitarian, as Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Turkey.

The appointment is seen as a step to strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic and economic relations with Turkey.

Sheikh Nasiru-Deen has built strong connections in Turkey across politics, business, education, and humanitarian work since the late 1990s.

Born in Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region, Sheikh Nasiru-Deen studied pharmacy at Ankara University after learning Turkish at Gazi University.

Over the years, he has become a bridge between Ghana and Turkey through language, religion, and development work.

He speaks Turkish, Arabic, English, Hausa, Twi, Dagbani, and Mossi, and has used his cultural fluency to support partnerships between both countries.

He is widely credited with playing a leading role in securing Turkish support for the Ghana National Mosque Complex, one of the largest mosques in West Africa.

As Chairman of the Mosque’s Management Committee since 2020, he helped position the complex as a symbol of unity and cooperation.

Through his Paragon Foundation and Fatima Farida Group of Schools, he has promoted education, welfare, led the construction of over 300 boreholes in rural areas, and delivered food and meat to more than 100,000 people annually during Eid.

He also founded Tiwnikli International School and works with HUDAI, a Turkish NGO operating in Ghana for over ten years.

In 2012, he helped arrange a high-level visit to Turkey by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister and coordinated meetings with Turkish leaders.

His ties to the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, TIKA, and top Turkish universities have led to hundreds of scholarships for Ghanaian students and training for over 250 artisans and teachers.

When President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Ghana in 2016, Sheikh Nasiru-Deen served as his official interpreter.

News of his appointment has received praise from religious and community leaders across Ghana.

National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and others have described him as a trusted leader and diplomat.

“This appointment is not only deserved but essential. Sheikh Nasiru-Deen is a product of both countries — he understands our needs, speaks their language, and more importantly, he has the respect of their institutions,” said Sulemana Issifu, a close associate.

As Ghana deepens its ties with global partners, Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen is seen as a strong figure to lead the country’s mission in Turkey.

His work across religion, education, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid marks him as more than just an envoy — he is a builder of lasting connections.

From the minarets of Kanda to the corridors of Ankara, Sheikh Abdul Nasiru-Deen stands ready to serve as a bridge between Ghana and Turkey.