Kumasi: Mr Ben Abdullah Alhassan, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asokore Mampong, has called on Muslim leaders to actively participate in addressing drug-related activities in their communities. He emphasized that the involvement of Muslim leaders is crucial in mitigating drug-related issues within their respective areas.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Alhassan made these remarks during an event commemorating Hausa Day at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi. The event, themed ‘Zongo: Moving from Personalization to Viability, The Role of Government in Policy Implementation,’ was not only a celebration of the rich culture and history of the Hausa people but also a reflection on the contributions of Zongo communities to the social, economic, and political fabric of Ghana.
Mr Alhassan highlighted the resilience, commerce, education, and religious leadership of Zongo communities, noting their role in producing influential scholars, entrepreneurs, artisans, and leaders who continue to shape the nation’s destiny. He stressed the importance of leadership’s role in addressing the drug problem through collective efforts, robust parental guidance, community vigilance, governmental enforcement, and education and skills training to offer youth alternatives to destructive lifestyles.
He also disclosed that the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly had collaborated with AAMUSTED and the MasterCard Foundation to launch the ‘Women Empowerment Programme.’ This initiative aims to empower youth and women with skills in areas such as agriculture and food processing. Additionally, IT skills like software development, data analysis, cyber security, digital marketing, and content creation would be prioritized.
Mr Alhassan asserted that through collective efforts, challenges could be transformed into opportunities via education, empowerment, and effective policies. The Assembly is committed to supporting initiatives that encourage young people to pursue formal education while valuing vocational and technical training.
He encouraged Zongo youth to take advantage of government intervention programmes like the National Apprenticeship Programme, the one Million Coders Programme, currently in its pilot phase, the Adwumawura Programme, and other social initiatives to empower themselves.