The Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. John Dramani Mahama has said his next administration will establish two Islamic Senior High Schools
In the southern and northern sectors for the Zongo communities.
He added that his administration will strengthen and resource the Islamic Education Unit under the Ghana Education Service to enable the unit to monitor and recruit more I slamic/Arabic tutors.
Speaking at 2020 manifesto launch, Mr. John Mahama said the NDC recognises the historical inequalities between Zongo, Deprived Urban Settlements and other communities, including the negative effects of the Alien Compliance Order implemented by the Danquah-Busia tradition on Zongo communities.
He said the next NDC Government will:
# provide regular funding through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for the development of the Zongos and Deprived Urban Settlements to bridge the inequality gap
#. Support Islamic Colleges of Education with more infrastructure and logistics to enable them recruit and train more teachers
# Award scholarships to brilliant but needy students in Zongo communities at the basic level to the tertiary level, with special focus on girls and medical and nursing student’s to provide mentorship programmes and opportunities to the youth
# support Arabic teachers in the Makaranta with monthly allowances
# enroll youth in Zongo and Deprived Urban Settlements into the National Apprenticeship Programme as well as the free technical and vocational education and training (free TVET)
# establish plastic recycling factories to create jobs for the youth
# provides start-up capital for business owners and earmark funds for the ‘Soyayya Development Fund’
# Work with the Hajj Board to make Hajj more affordable to prospective pilgrims
# ensure that Hajj is effectively organised to eliminate inconveniences
# gives representation to Zongo Chiefs and other denominations on the Hajj Board to ensure easy facilitation of Hajj
# introduce a programme to ensure regular interactions with key stakeholders in Zongos and Inner Cities
# ensure that a representative from the Muslim Umma is placed on the board of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
# strengthen the coordinating capacity of the office of the National Chief Imam and other denominations like the Ahlussuna, Jallo, Ahmadiya Mission Shia communities to enhance peace, unity and harmony amongst Muslims
# facilitates the establishment of morgues in accordance with Islamic customs and practices and collaborates with the Ministry of Health to set up focal teams responsible for procedures that are compliant with Islamic customs and practices at all state morgues
# liaise with some banks and other financial institutions to launch the Zongo Housing Scheme to provide support for affordable housing in Zongos and Deprived Urban Settlements
# Work with district assemblies to provide recreational centres in Zongo Communities for social events
# Work closely with NGOs to help provide other social needs/infrastructure in the communities
# commences a programme to address the drainage challenges and to construct and refurbish public places of convenience.
# facilitate the construction of own places of convenience for households.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Kofi Atakora
