Nii Ashietey calls for change in attitudes in Muslim communities

Accra, June 24, GNA - Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional Minister, on Thursday called for a change of attitudes of people especially in Muslim Communities.

He noted that people no longer had respect for law and order and disobedience had become the order of the day. Nii Ashietey made the call at the first meeting with Council of Muslim Chiefs in Greater Accra Region in Accra. He said there was the need for the chiefs to help eliminate such behaviour by educating their people about their roles and obligations in the communities.

Nii Ashietey noted that collectively and individually the Council had to associate itself with activities of the assemblies to have a fair idea of developments in the districts.

"As Council members of the Muslim community there is the need for you to get closer and interact effectively with the district assemblies in your communities and channel your grievances through them," he said. He explained that the assemblies are institutions established to make political decisions and to address issues of development in their various communities.

Nii Ashietey urged the chiefs to establish cordial relationship with the assemblies, the decentralised institutions in the districts and the appropriate avenue to channel their problems to government. Mr Baba Issa, Public Relations Officer of the National Council of Zongo Muslim Chiefs expressed their appreciation for the support given to them by government. He commended government for a very smooth and successful hajj last year and said the Council hoped that it was the beginning of improving hajj in the country. Mr Issa noted that the school feeding programme had not yet been extended to Islamic schools in the country and pleaded for government's intervention.

He said it was important for the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to fully collaborate with the Council to improve sanitation, afforestation, livestock production and educational development. Mr Issa called on the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to establish formal working relationship with the Council and endeavour to invite members to attend regional and public functions.