President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Muslim leaders to ensure that as many of their girl children as possible are educated.
“I appeal to you to pay as much attention to the education of your female children as you do to the education of your male children.”
The President made this appeal while speaking on Friday during the annual Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.
Thousands of Muslims including the Chief Imam and the Minister of Inner City and Zongo Development congregated at the Independence Square for the prayers.
Addressing the gathering, President Akufo-Addo expressed his government’s commitment to making education accessible to all, especially Muslims.
Free SHS
He underscored the need for Muslims to be educated as that transcends into the realm of religion and not only for life.
“My government is committed to making education accessible to all so that we are not just educated for life but Muslims also fulfill their religious duty,” he stated.
“I urge you to take advantage of the free secondary school programme to ensure the education of your children especially the Muslim girls.”
He stressed on education for Muslim girls, indicating that the Quran even attests that Paradise can only be guaranteed at the feet of a mother and so, mothers and potential mothers, alike, cannot be kept in the dark.
They must be educated, he said.
President Akufo-Addo asked them to embrace a campaign by the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba, against early marriage among girls especially those in Muslim communities.
President Akufo-Addo presented a cheque for GH¢5,000 to the Zongo chiefs and GH¢20,000 to the Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Dr Nuhu Shaributu.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana