When news broke that Alhaji Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali had been appointed as Ghana’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the announcement resonated far beyond diplomatic circles. For the Yoruba community in Ghana, it was not just a personal triumph for Ali, but a collective victory that spoke to their long history, contributions, and enduring reputation as a people of excellence.
The Yoruba presence in Ghana stretches back to the 19th century, when waves of traders, artisans, and adventurers from Southwestern Nigeria settled in coastal and inland communities across the Gold Coast. Some came in search of trade opportunities in kola nuts, textiles, and other goods; others arrived as skilled craftsmen, clerics, and teachers.
Over the time, Yorubas established themselves as a respected community within Ghana, (a host community) maintaining their language, traditions, and festivals while integrating into their host society. Cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi became centers of Yoruba life, where generations blended entrepreneurship with loyalty to Ghana’s evolving nationhood.
Known for their communal solidarity, religious tolerance, and industriousness, the Yorubas earned a reputation as trustworthy partners in commerce and governance. It is this historical foundation that provides the context for celebrating Ali’s new diplomatic role, a recognition of a community whose contributions to Ghana span over a century.
Though, details of Alhaji Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali’s early life are still being pieced together, what stands out is the path of diligence and service that has defined his career. Colleagues and community leaders describe him as disciplined, visionary, and deeply rooted in both Ghanaian and Yoruba cultural values.
Ali’s personal journey reflects the broader Yoruba ethos; a commitment to education, resilience in the face of challenges, and the ability to navigate across cultural and national borders. His appointment, therefore, is widely seen as the cumbination of both personal excellence and the collective legacy of his people.
For the Yoruba community in Ghana, Ali’s new role is deeply symbolic. It is more than a job posting; it is a testament of their history and contributions. Leaders within the community have hailed the appointment as proofs that loyalty and dedication to Ghana have not gone unnoticed.
“This is not just Ali’s success,” said a Yoruba elder in Accra. “It is a proof that our hard work and loyalty are seen and valued. He is carrying the flag of the Yoruba people in Ghana, and by extension, in the world.”
The younger generation, in particular, is being encouraged to see Ali’s success as a model of excellence if emulated, is possible when cultural pride is balanced with national service.
Reactions to Ali’s appointment have also poured in from other groups in Ghana, reflecting the national significance of the moment. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted: “Ambassador Ali’s appointment demonstrates the inclusivity of Ghana’s leadership. We are proud that our diplomatic representation reflects the diverse communities that make up our nation.”
The Akan community in Kumasi described the appointment as a “bridge of brotherhood.” Nana Kwabena Owusu, a cultural leader, said: “The Yorubas have been part of Ghana’s history for generations. This recognition is well deserved and shows that Ghana rewards loyalty and service, not just heritage.”
Similarly, from the Ewe community, Rev. Godwin Agbeko of Ho praised the decision: “It is refreshing to see diversity celebrated at such a high level. It shows that Ghana’s unity is strengthened by its pluralism.”
From the Hausa community in Accra, Mallam Ibrahim Tanko added: “We see this as a Ghanaian victory. Ali’s Yoruba roots only make the story richer, but at the heart of it, he is representing Ghana’s interest abroad. That should make us all proud.”
Ali’s appointment to the UAE is not without wider implications. Ghana and the UAE enjoy growing economic, cultural, and technological ties, with both nations seeking to expand their cooperation in trade and investment. In such a sensitive role, Ali’s multicultural background and inclusive leadership style offer Ghana a unique advantage.
To the Yoruba community, it also means their values of excellence, diplomacy, and leadership will now be showcased on a global stage.
As the Yoruba community reflects on this milestone, the appointment of Alhaji Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali is being framed not only as a reward for past contributions, but also as a call to the future. It is an inspiration for younger Yorubas in Ghana and across West Africa, urging them to embrace excellence, unity, and service.
Ali’s achievement is thus more than a diplomatic posting, it is a chapter in the ongoing story of Yoruba resilience and impact in Ghana. It reinforces the idea that identity is not a barrier to progress, but a strength that can propel individuals and communities into positions of influence.
As he prepares to take up his ambassadorial post in the UAE, Ali does so, not just with the mandate of Ghana’s government, but with the pride and hopes of a Yoruba community whose legacy is being written into history once again, now with the blessing of the wider Ghanaian family.
