President John Mahama has announced bold steps aimed at strengthening Islamic education in Ghana and supporting Muslim students across the country.

Addressing Muslims gathered at the Black Star Square for the Eid-al-Adha celebrations, the President said he had instructed the Minister for Education to work closely with the Islamic Education Unit to boost its operations.

This includes hiring and training more qualified Arabic instructors to improve teaching in Islamic schools.

“I have directed the Minister of Education to begin engagement with the Islamic Education Unit to strengthen its operations and expand the recruitment and training of qualified Arabic instructors across the country,” he said. “We aim to ensure that Arabic education is no longer marginalised and that Islamic schools have the necessary resources to thrive.”

President Mahama also disclosed that the Director General of the Scholarship Secretariat has been tasked with developing a dedicated support programme for Muslim students pursuing higher education.

The scheme, he explained, would focus on disciplines such as medicine, law, ICT, engineering, and the social sciences.

“This is part of our broader equity agenda to empower all segments of our society to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.

Turning to the economy, the President reassured Ghanaians that his government is taking urgent steps to ease economic hardship.

“Prices were high, jobs were scarce, and hope was dimmed, but I want you to know that we’re working with focus and urgency to turn things around,” he said. “Our economic reset agenda is anchored on stabilising the cedi, cutting wasteful expenditures, creating jobs, and supporting local industries.”

He noted that inflation is gradually declining, the cedi is gaining stability, and investor confidence is being restored.

“We are taking concrete steps to bring lasting relief to Ghanaian households from the hardship,” he said.

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The President also encouraged youth in Zongo communities and inner cities to take advantage of government employment initiatives.

“I urge you to take advantage of the government’s new initiatives, especially the National Apprenticeship Programme so that you can develop skills for the world of work,” he said. “Also take advantage of the Adwumawura Programme, which enables you to start your own business with capital and mentorship.”

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, in a message of peace, expressed gratitude to Allah for the stability in the country. “

Experiencing peace, we as Muslims and followers of other faiths are able to sit together and consult ourselves and relate in peace,” he said. “It is the desire of Allah that we express thankfulness to Him.”

He also offered prayers for the President and his team, saying, “I pray unto Allah to grant him his support. All those following him in terms of the appointees, I pray that Allah will grant them the ability to give him the adequate support he needs.”