Kumasi, Nov 16, GNA - Alhaji Ishaak Abubakar Bonsu, Imam of Akrodie in the Asunafo North District, says Muslims should be concerned about the soaring incidence of violent crimes among the country's Muslim youth. He said in almost every arrest made in connection with robbery, rape and other serious crimes there is always among the offenders someone bearing a Muslim name.

Alhaji Bonsu told the GNA in an interview that this was something that needed to worry Muslims and they must tackle the problem head-on. He said the religion stood for peace, law and order and for that matter it was the responsibility of all Muslims, especially parents, to educate their children to stay away from social vices and crimes that create image problems for Islam.

Alhaji Bonsu appealed to Muslims to help sustain the peace the nation was enjoying and to serve as good example to the rest of the society. He said the youth should uphold the values of hard work and honesty and they should support the government's efforts at reducing poverty, diseases, illiteracy and ignorance. "The well-to-do should support the development of their communities and help make life a bit comfortable for the poor and socially disadvantaged."

Alhaji Bonsu appealed to political leaders to act more responsibly to calm tension and avoid divisions in the country. He said recent provocative utterances from some politicians were unhelpful to the peace, unity and harmony of society and must be condemned. 16 Nov 10