Ben Abdallah, Coordinator for Zongo and Inner City Development, emphasized that STEM and TVET education can drive entrepreneurial growth, foster self-reliance, and contribute significantly to national development and progress.

He noted that unemployment remained a significant challenge, particularly for young people in Muslim communities, and that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and TVET (Technical, Vocational, Education, and Training) education provide practical pathways to employment, innovation, and self-sufficiency.

Mr. Abdallah made these remarks during the 64th annual National Conference of the Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM) in Accra.

The conference highlighted the importance of STEM and TVET in advancing national development.

During the three-day event, participants deliberated on advancing the mission’s humanitarian and religious objectives, and raised funds for the renovation of the GMM’s Hijaz Islamic Basic School in Accra.

Mr. Abdallah pointed out that STEM and TVET education could empower individuals in Muslim communities, particularly youth, by providing career opportunities and helping them drive development.

He also noted that Muslim communities in Ghana are rich in potential, intelligence, and ambition, which could be unlocked through STEM and TVET opportunities.

Mr. Abdallah referenced Islam’s long history of embracing knowledge and innovation, citing figures like Ibn Sina, Al’khwarizmi, and Al-Biruni, who excelled in both religious studies and scientific fields such as algebra, medicine, astronomy, and engineering.

He stressed that STEM and TVET education could continue this legacy by adapting it to modern contexts, urging imams and community leaders to emphasize this in their sermons.

Dr. Amin Bonsu, the National Chairman of GMM, also called on the Muslim community to support the renovation of the mission’s schools and its focus on STEM and TVET programs.

He said that contributing to these educational initiatives would strengthen the mission’s capacity to become a hub for quality education, aligning with the nation’s broader development agenda.

Dr. Bonsu also stated that equipping the youth with a blend of innovative and practical skills was critical, urging the community to fully embrace the importance of STEM and TVET in advancing national development.