Accra: The Duayaw Nkwanta Traditional Council has praised the Islamic Mission Secretariat (IMS) for its significant contributions to the country's development through educational initiatives. Nana Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, the Bredihene (sub-chief) of the Council, emphasized the positive impact of IMS's educational programs, which benefit not just the Muslim community but the entire nation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Agyemang-Duah spoke at the 61st National Conference of IMS, highlighting the importance of such individual and organizational efforts in fostering national growth. He remarked that government efforts alone cannot fulfill all development needs, and initiatives like those of IMS allow the government to allocate resources to other essential projects, thereby speeding up national progress.
The conference, themed 'The Role of Muslims in Promoting Peace, Justice, and National Cohesion,' aimed to enhance peaceful co-existence, religious tolerance, and unity among Muslims and non-Muslims. IMS representatives emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and a renewed commitment to Islamic values during the event.
In a significant gesture of support, Nana Agyemang-Duah announced that the Duayaw Nkwanta Traditional Council has donated 150 acres of land for IMS's school expansion projects. He encouraged other organizations and individuals to follow IMS's example, stressing that collective action is essential for driving national development.
Mr. Seidu Iddrisu Yeboah, the Deputy Secretary for IMS in the Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East Regions, revealed that IMS has established 27 basic Islamic schools across five regions: eight in Ashanti, four in Ahafo, six in Bono, seven in Bono East, and two in Central. He further disclosed IMS's plans to establish an Islamic Mission Technical University, a College of Education, and Senior High/Technical and TVET institutions at Duayaw Nkwanta.
Alhaji Abubakari Amankwa, National Deputy Secretary for IMS, highlighted the organization's achievements, including the upcoming integration of the Islamic Mission TVET School into the public system in 2024, which currently enrolls 154 students. He noted that IMS mobilizes around GHS450,000 annually for its projects but appealed for additional support to address the growing demands of its second-cycle educational institutions.