The Presidential Co-ordinator for Zongo and Inner Cities Development, Alhaji Ben Abdallah, has commended the Ghana Academy of Muslim Professionals (GAMP), for their humanitarian services to Muslim communities in the country.
“For 30 years, you have been at the forefront of serving our communities, uplifting the less privileged, and promoting social justice, your commitment to these values has been exceptional and your impact immeasurable, it is an honour to join you today to celebrate this memorable day,” he added.
He made these remarks at the 30th anniversary celebrations of GAMP on Saturday in Accra on the theme: “30 Years of Community Service – The GAMP Story.”
The GAMP was established as a non-governmental organisation in November 1992 to promote education and humanitarian services in the Ghanaian society especially in deprived communities.
It also sought to foster and promote unity among Muslims in the country and the world by organising programmes aimed at empowering the youth socially, morally and intellectually.
Key programmes include annual free vacation classes, Ramadan lectures, Prison Reformation and Orphan support projects, the Dawa seminars and the annual Sisters’ Forum where young Muslims are offered the platform to brainstorm on issues affecting the holistic development of the Muslim woman.
Alhaji Banda said it was worthy to note that the group had worked tirelessly to provide education, counselling, mentorship and youth empowerment to the underserved thus demonstrating the true spirit of Islam.
“As we gather today to reflect on your remarkable journey, I urge you to continue your noble cause, your expertise, passion and dedication to make a lasting difference in the lives of our people as the selfless service has been instrumental in the development of our communities, and government is deeply grateful.
“Government recognizes you as a worthy stakeholder in liberating our Muslim Ummah from the shackles of poverty, illiteracy and diseases. Your track record is solid and we recognize the essence of the work you do, we will partner you to achieve our common goal of building a better future for all,” he stated.
Alhaji Banda re-iterated the government’s commitment to continue developing Zongos and the Inner-cities, explaining that the Fund has delivered over 400 projects in Zongo communities, trained the youth in varying skills and continue to provide bursary support to the less privileged.
Naa Alhassan Andani speaking on the topic “The role of Muslim professionals in curbing corruption in Ghana” said despite the abundance of institutional structures to address corruption, the country is unable to fight the cancer which has eaten deep into the moral fibre of the Ghanaian society.
“We have the criminal code that criminalises corruption, the code of conduct, the Whistle Blowers Act, the code of conduct for civil servants, anti-money laundering company acts, the Public Procurement Act which is the most abused, the courts, the media, civil society groups and human rights activists but the rot still continues,” he explained.
He urged Muslims to be guided by their actions and not allow themselves to commit or help facilitate any corrupt act that could lead to condemnation before Allah.
The Board Chair of GAMP, Dr Rabiatu Ammah, said about GH¢236,470 was needed to complete the office block complex and other planned programmes for the year and urged members to support the genuine cause.
BY LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU
