The Islamic Mission Secretariat (IMS) is taking bold steps to reduce unemployment among Muslim youth in Ghana by equipping them with artisanal trade knowledge.
The organization aims to drastically reduce unemployment within the next five to ten years by imparting skills in modern masonry, dressmaking, plumbing, carpentry, electricals, agriculture, and agribusiness.
Mr. Seidu Iddrisu Yeboah, Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East regions Deputy Secretary of IMS, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the 61st National conference at Duayaw Nkwanta in the Tano North Municipality emphasized the importance of partnering with the government to address unemployment, stating that the formal sector alone cannot absorb all the youthful unemployed population.
He said the IMS is working it educational infrastructure to provide a conducive learning environment for students. And promoting Technical Educational and Vocational Training TVET and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to address the disconnect between what is taught in the secondary schools and the demand of industry and employers.
“We are also planting in the student how to genuinely make money, good financial management knowledge and how to invest properly, hoping that things will change in Ghana from 10 years to come”, Mr Yeboah stated.
The conference was under the theme the role of Muslims in promoting peace justice and national cohesion aimed at mobilizing funds to expand educational structure in the Islamic mission secondary high/technical and TVET schools to meet Standard dormitories, computers, labs, classrooms and other boarding facilities.
Sheikh Adam Zacharia Donkor, National vice president of IMS urged Muslims to build a good foundation for their children, emphasizing the contribution to nation growth and development would have awaiting results.
Alhaji Abubakari Amankwa, National deputy -secretary of IMs advised young Muslims to seek righteous ways to make money, warning against dubious means and emphasizing the important of commitment to national development.
The conference featured various activities including cleanup exercises, football games, and aerobics. Quran recitation and moral teachings help raise future leaders of the nation.