Special prayers for an accelerated development and peace that will make Ghana a model state were said by the Muslim Community on Friday (March 4, 2016) at the Yankasa mosque at Bronx, New York.

lt was organized by the Permanent Mission of Ghana and the Muslim community as part of activities to mark Ghana's 59th independence anniversary.

The prayers were led by the Chief Imam,Mohammed Salley. In attendance was a delegation from the Mission, led by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations, Mrs Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee,and various Muslim chiefs in New York.

Addressing them, the Ambassador praised the Muslim community for the way they had conducted themselves and urged them to continue to live peacefully in their communities as good ambassadors of Ghana.

She told them about government's appreciation of the important roles the diaspora played in the Ghanaian economy with their regular remittances and contributions in various forms.

After briefing them about the worldwide economic challenges of which Ghana was not an exception,including particularly the current low prices for country's oil,gold and other mineral resources, Mrs. Pobee assured them that the prudent and realistic measures introduced by the government had started yielding results. She mentioned for example the improvement in the energy crisis.

Urging them to show continuous interest in their country's welfare, Mrs Pobee tasked them to bring their regular suggestions and criticisms on the country's development to the Mission. To this end, she informed them that a Diaspora desk had been set up at the mission and all foreign missions abroad, so they should feel free to ask for information on various investment opportunities as well as what ever was agitating their minds on national issues. This is because Ghana needs all her sons and daughters to show interest and participate fully in the development of the country.

At this stage, the Ambassador informed them that the Consulate General has started the installation of a new passport printing machine as part of a fully integrated online system. This is to ensure an improved service to applicants. Aside that, a new electronic system of visa and passport acquisition as well as bio-metric passports are to be introduced in conjunction with the United Parcel Service (UPS) that will not only speed up the process but also make it hassle free.

Earlier, Abdul Salam, president of Yankasa, said the 5000- member association is very happy with the interaction with the Mission and therefore wanted it to be made a regular affair.

He announced that about 300 children were being given free lessons at the weekends to support their education,

Present were the Consul General, Mr. Bernard Quantson, Chief Treasury Officer,Mr.Francis Tsetse, Mr. R,Harry Reynolds, Head of Information and Mr.John A.Eshun, expert on Disarmament and International Security.

Pictures by R. HARRY REYNOLDS.

Pic (2072) Ambassador Martha Pobee addressing the Muslims at the mosque
Pic (2092) Ambsaador Pobee (middle) with the women at the mosque
pic (2076) Ambassador Pobe addressing the Muslims