Akim-Swedru (E/R), Jan. 24, GNA - The Akim Swedru Zongo Youth Association (ASZOYA), was inaugurated on Monday with a call on the Zongo communities to guard against violent tendencies that cast a slur on the reputation on the Islamic religion.

Mr Adam Ben-Abdallah, an opinion leader at Akim Swedru Zongo, who gave the advice reminded the youth that the Islamic religion detested violence and urged them to always channel any grievances they might have through the appropriate quarters for redress.

He said the time had come when the youth in Zongo communities should be seen helping to promote community development and not as people "who take delight in instigating or promoting communal conflicts."

Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, a tutor at the Oda Secondary School, urged parents in Zongo communities to attach great importance to their children's education, adding, "education is the easiest way to earn a living".

He called for the removal of all cultural obstacles such as early marriage of girls to older men or pre-occupying the girls with domestic servitude, which hindered their education.

The Birim South District Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Kobena Archer, appealed to the government to speed up the promulgation of the youth policy law.

He advised the youth to shape their lives to be able to play a more meaningful role in the society.

In a welcoming address, the President of the Association, Mr Osman Issaka, said ASZOYA among other objectives, aimed at organizing the youth to undertake communal services to promote education and development and to help the youth to know their culture.

Alhaji Ishaq Mohammed, the immediate past-Assembly member for the area who chaired the function, advised the association not dabble in partisan politics and urged the executives to ensure transparency in all their dealings.

The executive included Taaju Abdel Rahim, Vice-president, Latiif Yussuf, Secretary, Yahuza Abdel Waahid, financial secretary, Yaasau Mukaila, treasurer and Bawa Kamal Biin, publicity officer.