Advertisement

‘Nurture youth into responsible adults’

The Western Regional Minister, Mr E.K.T. Addo, has advised religious leaders in the country to nurture the youth into responsible adults, ready for their future leadership roles in the country.

Speaking at the Railways Park in Sekondi where the minister and his deputy joined the Muslim community to round off the Ramadan festivities, he said, "Let us all be  interested in the development of our children. This is because the youth forms 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 it was gratifying to note that after going through the period of fasting and purification,  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 be upon him). For this reason, the month is recognised as the most powerful one on the lunar calendar, and must be observed,"  he said.

The Muslim community,  Mr Addo said, had contributed to the  development of this country and its very impressive record of religious tolerance, must be tapped to the country's advantage.

He urged leaders to nurture the youth into positions of responsibility, adding, "then we  can say that the present generation 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 are given the best education and necessary training to be morally upright and serve as role models in society".

 He urged religious leaders to take time off their busy schedule to be with the youth and give them the necessary encouragement and support to help direct their energy and vitality into productive ventures, since that was the only way society could tap  the  strength of the youth for the  future.

He also urged the Muslim community to be true to their calling and let their voices be heard on important regional matters.

That, Mr Addo said, was the only way the 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 the blessing and peace emanating from the holy month would be felt throughout the country and beyond.

By Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu/Daily Graphic/Ghana

Connect With Us : 0242202447 | 0551484843 | 0266361755 | 059 199 7513 |