Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change (Afrafranto Alliance), has shared a groundbreaking policy proposal by Alan Kyerematen aimed at supporting the Zongo communities.

During a meeting with the imams and chiefs of Sekondi Zongo on October 16, 2024, KOD revealed that Alan Kyerematen is committed to adding Islamic teachers, who teach in Zongo schools (Makaranta), to the Ghana Education Service (G.E.S.) payroll.

This pledge, made in recognition of the essential role Makaranta teachers play in educating children, was met with great excitement by the Zongo leaders.

KOD explained that Kyerematen's pledge is anchored on fairness and respect for the Zongo communities, acknowledging the invaluable contribution Islamic teachers make to the education of young people in Zongo areas.

"For the sake of fairness, those who teach the children of the Zongo community should be paid just as other teachers are paid under the G.E.S. payroll," KOD said.

This policy, according to KOD, is part of a broader initiative by the Movement for Change to ensure that all sectors of society benefit from government resources.

The Imams and chiefs who attended the meeting, including the chiefs of various tribes within the Zongo and the Regional Chief Imam, were elated by the announcement.

A spokesperson for the imams and chiefs highlighted the significance of the pledge, noting that many Makaranta teachers have long taught voluntarily without any compensation.

"This decision will not only enable these teachers to take care of their families but also motivate them to teach the children very well," the spokesperson remarked.

The Zongo leaders emphasised that the inclusion of Makaranta teachers on the G.E.S. payroll would bring much-needed relief to the Zongo communities.

For years, Islamic teachers have dedicated themselves to educating the youth, often without any form of financial support.

The pledge to pay them just like other teachers would, according to the chiefs, signal a new era of recognition and respect for their contributions to national development.

KOD assured the Zongo leaders that Alan Kyerematen’s administration would ensure the policy is implemented as part of his broader Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which seeks to address inequalities across various sectors.

He added that education is a key focus of the GTP, and ensuring that all teachers, regardless of where they teach, receive fair compensation is a top priority.

"This pledge is a testament to Mr. Kyerematen’s commitment to leaving no community behind," KOD said.

The chiefs and Imams also expressed their admiration for Kyerematen, describing him as a politician who has consistently shown leadership of respect and integrity.

They prayed for him, noting that his integrity and commitment to fairness set him apart from other politicians.

"Mr. Alan Kyerematen is one of the few politicians who stands unblemished in terms of corruption or any bad thing often associated with politicians," the Regional Chief Imam remarked.

In conclusion, the Zongo chiefs and Imams encouraged KOD to carry this message of hope and change to all parts of the country.

They noted that the decision to put Islamic teachers on the payroll is one that will resonate deeply within the Zongo communities across Ghana, further solidifying their support for Alan Kyerematen and the Movement for Change.