Ben Abdallah (right) receiving his award from Naa Alhassan Andani
The Presidential Coordinator for Zongo and Inner Cities Development, Alhaji Ben Abdallah Banda, has said that 400 projects have been executed so far under the Zongo and Inner Cities initiative.
He made this known on Saturday when he joined scores of Muslims to mark the 30th anniversary of the Ghana Academy of Muslim Professionals (GAMP), at the National Mosque in Accra.
He said “so far, for the records, I will like to tell the audience gathered here that the Zongo Development Fund and the Zongo Development Ministry which is now the Zongo Development Secretariat has executed more than 400 projects, which are all scattered within the confines of the Zongo communities in Ghana, and we promise to do more.”
Some of the projects the Presidential Coordinator mentioned include 500 metres of access roads constructed in Konongo Zongo.
1,000 metres of drains completed in Techiman Zongo-Asem Kumasi and Kintampo.
Others include the provision of 60,000 textbooks in English, Science, Mathematics and Arabic to schools across the country through the Islamic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and many others.
He also lauded the work of GAMP, for its contribution to society especially, serving the Moslem communities, uplifting the less privileged, providing mentorship, counselling and serving social justice while demonstrating the true spirit of Islam.
Speaking on the theme “The role of Muslim Professionals in curbing corruption in Ghana,” guest speaker, Naa Dr. Alhassan Andani, Chief of Pishigu and a former MD of Stanbic Bank, said corruption destroys public good for the benefits of an individual or a small group of people at the detriment of the larger society.
He said that despite various legal frameworks such as Code of Conduct, Public Procurement Act, Company Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act and institutions working to fight corruption, the canker is still prevalent.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, was recognised for his developmental role.
An accompanying citation presented to the minister read: “You are a key partner in the development of communities, including Muslim communities in line with the GAMP dream. Our communities can only get better through efforts such as yours.”
Other awardees include Alhaji Ben Abdallah Banda, Naa Alhassan Andani, Sheik Ishaak Ibrahim Nuamah, Lt. Col (Rtd) Imam Umar Sanda Ahmed, Dr.
Hajia Katumi Mahama, Sheik Aremeyaw Shaibu, Japan Motors among several others.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah