The Ashanti Regional Minister has advised Muslim youth to conduct themselves righteously to reduce the worrying trend of deviant practices which hamper national development.

Simon Osei Mensah's admonition comes of the heels of increase in teenage pregnancies, thievery, cybercrime and substance abuse among the youth.  

He encouraged the community to ensure peaceful co-existence.

The Ashanti regional minister blames the spate of deviant behaviours on child negligence, leniency of parental control, and streetism.  

He urged Muslims to reflect on the essence of the Eid celebration to conduct themselves in ensuring tranquility and development.

“Let’s use this occasion to reflect on how we can conduct ourselves better for the benefit of the nation. Our conduct should guide the younger generation to shun vengeance, indiscipline and other negative attitudes,” he said.

Representative of the Asantehene, Nana Abdul Rahman Boadi, is worried over the affiliation of the Muslim community to misdemeanours in the country.

“In communities anytime there is a criminal arrest, Muslims form a majority. Sometimes some of them have Muslim names but are not even pious Muslims. This affiliation speaks bad of us. Let’s advise the children about the peaceful Islamic religion,” he said.

Reports suggest the emergence of jihadist activities in neighbouring countries with about 200 Ghanaians integrated into four notorious jihadist groups operating in West Africa. 

Deputy Director of Counter Terrorism at the National Security, Daniel Osei Bonsu, prevailed on the Muslim community to support the government to curtail jihadist activities.

“Gone are the days when people normally pay homepage to traditional leaders when they visit a place. It’s not longer a tradition now. We’ve advised the rulers to be vigilant given that there is an emergence of jihadist activities around us. But we know the security and bond we’ve created around the country remains robust. Hence we require your cooperation so that some of our sisters or brothers won’t be recruited into these groups,” he said. 

Some Muslim youth welcomed the message, advising their brethren to not fall prey to such social misbehaviours.  

“We must talk to the children indoors. Sit down with them and advise them. There is no need giving yourself away to a man at a cheaper price,” Aisha, a Muslimah, said.

The Eid-ul-Fitr celebration is marked by Muslims globally to end the holy month of Ramadan.

The month-long prayers and fasting is traditionally climaxed with observatory prayers for all Muslims after which families gather to share meals, exchange gifts and engage in charitable acts.

Muslims in the Ashanti region expressed their gratitude to Allah for a successful Ramadan and are hoping the new year brings in peace, unity and prosperity