We need scholarships for the Zongo youth - Eastern Regional Chief Imam

Koforidua, Aug 19, GNA - The Eastern Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Yussif Hamdani, has appealed to government for scholarships to help reduce the high illiteracy rates in the Zongo communities.

Making the appeal during the occasion of the EIdul Fetri celebration at Koforidua on Sunday, the Chief Imam said, Ghana's quest for a comprehensive socio-economic development required investments in all, including the people of the Zongo communities.

He called on the political parties to campaign on issues devoid of insults and name calling to ensure a violence free election and also in honour to the memory of the late President John Evans Atta-Mills.

The Chief Imam said the late President had paid his due to the development of Ghana in an atmosphere of peace and unity and all politicians must emulate those qualities for the benefit of Ghana.

Mr Victor Smith, the Eastern Regional Minster, who addressed the gathering thanked the Moslem community for the show of support during the death and final funeral rites of the late President Mills.

He said President John Mahama had indicated his commitment to continue with the good works of the late President and hence the need for the support of all.

The Regional Minster appealed to the leadership of the Moslem community to educate the youth of the Zongo community the need for peace and unity as the nation approach an election period adding that the late president stood for peace and that all must uphold peace as an honour to his memory.

Hundreds of Moslems including the old and young defied a downpour and converged at the central mosque to pray to thank Allah for taking them through the spiritual exercise of 30 days of fasting and prayer.

GNA