Religious leaders told to nurture youth into responsible adults

Religious leaders in the country have been urged to nurture the youth into responsible adults in readiness for future leadership roles.

The Western Regional Minister, Mr E.K.T. Addo who gave the admonition, was speaking at the Railways Park in Sekondi where he and his deputy joined the Muslim community to round off Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.

He said, "Let us all develop the interest in the development of our children. This is because the youth formed a large percentage of the country's population and have a vital role to play in the development of their communities and the country at large."

Ramadan, he said was one of the five pillars of Islam and that it was gratifying to note that after going through the period of fasting and purification, members of the Muslim community had established a closer relationship with Allah.

"As stated in the Holy Quran, it is within this holy month that the Holy Quran was revealed to the holy Prophet Mohammed, peace and blessing of Allah to be upon him. For this reason the month was recognized to be most powerful one in the Luna Calendar which must be observed," he said.

The Muslim community, Mr Addo said, has contributed to the development of this country and that as a country with a very impressive record of religious tolerance it must be tapped to the country's advantage.

He urged leaders to use their offices to nurture the youth into fruition saying, "then we the present generation can say that the youth will take over as good leaders when we are no more."

The minister said "education should therefore be our utmost priority. For that matter we the present generation should ensure that the youth were given the best education and the necessary training to be morally upright  and serve as role models in society."

He urged religious leaders to take time off to guide the youth among their flocks and give them the necessary encouragement and support to help direct their energies and vitality into productive ventures, since that was the only way society stands to reap from the strength of today's youth in future.

He urged members of the Muslim community to stay true to their calling and let their voices be heard on important regional matters. That, Mr Addo said was the only way government, religious leaders, opinion leaders and the youth could put their shoulders to the wheel to move the country forward on the path of development.

The minister expressed the hope that Ramadan would bring blessings and peace which would be felt throughout the country and beyond.


Story & Picture: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Sekondi