Muslims urged to see education as tool to eliminate poverty

Techiman (B/A), Aug. 25, GNA - Sheik Ysahak Nuama, an Islamic scholar, has urged Moslems to recognise education as a tool for eliminating ignorance in the society.

"It is only education that can equip the individual to function properly in societal affairs", Sheik Nuama, General Secretary of the Islamic Mission Secretariat said at the close of a four-day youth conference of the Secretariat at Techiman. The conference, attended by more than 1,000 delegates was under the theme: "The Moslem Youth in Modern Education". Sheik Nuama tasked Moslem parents to attach importance to education as the key to their personal and national development. Mr Addai Simons, MP for Techiman South, exhorted Moslem youth to lead lives that would be beneficial to society. Mr Simons advised them to avoid engaging in social vices including alcoholism and burglary and as such activities tarnished the image of Islam.

Oseadeeyo Akumfi-Ameyaw IV, Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, urged the youth to portray Islam as a religion of peace and unity. Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Abass, Assembly Member for Konimase Electoral Area, called on Moslems to be wary of HIV/AIDS and stay away from sexual promiscuity. Mr Prince Yaw Donyinah, Municipal Chief Executive for Techiman expressed satisfaction with the communal spirit in Moslem communities but asked them to educate their female children. Mr Adu Amankwah, National Youth Secretary of the Secretariat appealed to NGOs and philanthropists to support the mission to train the youth in employable skills.

Mr Musah Asante, chairman of Techiman Timber Market Association, who presided, underscored the need for the delegates to use the activities of the conference to rekindle their work. An appeal for funds yielded 9.5 million cedis. Twenty-five delegates were honoured with certificates for their contribution to the growth of the Islamic Mission Secretariat.