Mohammed Mardah was born in Accra, Ghana in 1966. He describes himself as being of the “old school” generation. He arrived in the United States of America at the age of 22. During the days of Mardah’s youth, Ghana only had three universities. These were the University of Science and Technology, the University of Ghana, and the University of the Cape Coast. This meant that all students completing their high school studies in Ghana, had to compete for a spot in those universities. It meant that it was already difficult to get a spot to study at any of those universities. Mardah also mentions the fact that during that time, one had to participate in a two-year-long period of national service. A year after one completes high school and another year after graduation from university. He says that it was during this period, that he had the chance to venture to the USA.
Mardah attended Lehman College and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History. Prior to Lehman College, Mardah was an evening student at Bronx Community College. Mardah’s community service and advocacy journey began then.
According to him, he was what is called a non-traditional student. These are students that are not the typical student. They are typically older and have jobs they tend to do during the day. He would have work during the day and would attend classes later in the evening. He realized that some classes that were required in order to complete a course, were not offered in the evening because some of the professors of these subjects did not want to stay on campus too late into the day. This motivated him to be the class representative for his peers in order to push the college to add these classes. Their request as a class was successful and that is when he realized the power of advocacy. Mardah is Muslim and when he was at college in the Bronx, he realized that while the institution had various groups and clubs, it did not have a group that catered to Muslims. He immediately worked towards establishing the Muslim Student Association. He is proud that the Muslim Student Association is still present and going strong at the Bronx Community College. He acknowledges that his experience and being in these positions helped him to land the roles he has today. Valuable life lessons were learned at that time as if Mardah was destined to use those skills in the future.
After college, Mardah found himself working and raising his kids. He enrolled his kids into an elementary school and as a parent who takes a keen interest in the school his children attended; he joined the parent’s association of the school.
Mardah became the treasurer of the association before later rising to the position of vice president. He believes that this period is what eventually led to him meeting the man he calls his political father, the late Reverend Wendell Foster. Foster had been a city council member for a number of years. Mardah credits the reverend for teaching him numerous things. He learned certain details about the civil rights movement and the Pan-African movement from him, including things that one would never see on TV. This includes all he knows about the political scene in the Bronx. While Foster had been a city council member in New York for decades, term limits in office were introduced, meaning Rev. Foster could no longer continue on the City Council. His daughter, Helen Foster, stood as a candidate and it was during this period that Mardah became more familiar with campaigning, learning the procedure as well as who the prominent political players in the city were.
Mardah and some political colleagues saw that there was a gap between the African diaspora in the Bronx and elected officials and thus, the African Advisory Council was formed. It was under the office of the Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr. that Mardah was elected as Chairman of the African Advisory Council after serving as its interim leader. Mardah’s leadership of the Council has led to a number of welcome developments including an annual soccer tournament of African nations in the city. He also has a vision for an African Cultural Center. This is a big project that will have a positive impact on the community as a whole.
Certain people are destined to walk certain paths in their lives. It makes sense why Mardah is a leader. He is a direct descendant of royalty. Mardah’s father was the chief of the Sisala people in Accra. After he died, the crown was passed on to his younger brother, who also died not very long after. Now the crown has been bestowed on Mardah. He is currently the chief. He says that this title means that wherever he goes he carries himself with respect and dignity. Mardah has always been a leader, never shying away from positions he felt he could be useful in. He was the President of the Yankasa Association of USA from 2010 to 2014. The Yankasa Association is a Ghanaian Islamic, religious, and cultural organization. Currently, he also serves as the General Secretary of the Muslim and Immigrant Coalition for Justice, an organization made up of Muslim and immigrant community members.
Mardah says that in his spare time, he enjoys watching movies, especially African movies. He is also a soccer fan, rooting for New York City Football Club in the USA and Manchester United Football Club from England. There is typically an enthusiastic debate between Nigerians and Ghanaians on who makes the best jollof rice. Mardah firmly stands with the Ghanaian style of Jollof, claiming that it is his favorite food.
Mardah enjoys talking and sharing the story of his life. He eagerly wanted to share the stories of all the people and moments that have made such a great impact on his life. His life in the United States did not start perfectly but he is grateful for how things have turned. Indeed, it is a life worth sharing.
