Hundreds of Muslims have been converging at the Islamic Research Institute at Nima, in Accra, to participate in the annual Ramadan Convention (Tafsir). The programme which started on the 8th of Ramadan (The Islamic Holy Month of Fasting and Prayer), is being organized by the Al-Sunna Wal Jamaat Movement.

The National Imam of Al-Sunna Wal Jamaat, Sheikh Umar Ibrahim, said the time has come for Muslims to re-examine their ways and wake up to the realities facing the world. He said there is a high level of indiscipline in the country, especially in communities dominated by Muslims and called for the collective efforts of all the Islamic sects in the country to unite and find solutions to the problem. "Muslims are living in poorly planned communities with poor environmental conditions which is unacceptable under Islamic teachings."

Sheikh Ibrahim said another unfortunate characteristic of the Zongo community is that of a very high level of illiteracy which makes the acquisition of employable skills impossible. This has resulted in the absence of professionals like doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers and journalists who are needed to assist in bringing about development in society.

To reverse this situation, Sheikh Ibrahim asked Muslim parents to take the education of their children, especially females, very seriously. "We cannot be successful in bringing about development in our communities until we first develop the education of our children, especially that of the girls." He advised the youth to acquire employable skills to earn a decent living in order to secure their future and to prevent them from begging for alms.

The National President of Nasara Club, Alhaji Huseini Maiga, who represented the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C. Quaye, said the time had come for Muslims to take their destinies into their hands and become responsible for the development of their communities. He said the job of the government is to provide the conditions for peace and stability and protect the rights of citizens so that they can have the liberty to initiate development in their communities. He assured them that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and protecting their rights and privileges.

He appealed to Muslims in the country to be law abiding and tolerant and avoid confrontations and attitudes that would lead to chaos. "We must use this Ramadan period to promote peace across the country."