Mahama boosts Islamic schools, promotes youth jobs

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a series of interventions aimed at strengthening Islamic education across the country, while also urging the Muslim community to take full advantage of national programmes designed to support youth development and entrepreneurship.

The President made the announcement during the Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations in Accra, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.

“We are strengthening Islamic education infrastructure and teacher support systems to ensure our Muslim brothers and sisters receive quality education that meets national standards,” President Mahama stated.

He noted that the government is working to modernise Islamic schools, support teacher training, and integrate Islamic educational institutions into the broader national education framework. These efforts, he explained, aim to eliminate disparities and ensure that students in Islamic communities have access to the same resources and opportunities as their counterparts elsewhere.

In addition to enhancing Islamic education, the President called on members of the Muslim community—particularly the youth—to participate in national initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme.

The programme, he said, offers mentorship and startup capital to help young people, including those from Islamic schools, launch their own businesses and acquire skills relevant to the job market.

“Our young people must be equipped with skills for the future. The National Apprenticeship Programme is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive support, and build your own business,” President Mahama said.

He urged Imams, parents, and local leaders to encourage youth participation in these initiatives, describing them as vital tools for economic empowerment and poverty reduction within Zongo and other underserved communities.

Mahama declares styrofoam ban to tackle plastic pollution

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will soon ban the importation, manufacturing, and use of Styrofoam takeaway packs in Ghana as part of efforts to curb environmental pollution.

The President made the announcement at the Kwabenya Community Senior High School in Accra during the official launch of the ‘One Tree Per Child’ initiative, an event held in commemoration of World Environment Day.

Styrofoam, a non-biodegradable material widely used in food packaging, has come under increasing scrutiny due to its contribution to plastic waste, especially in urban areas like Accra. President Mahama said the decision to ban it forms part of broader efforts to protect Ghana’s environment for future generations.

“One of the most pernicious polluters is Styrofoam plastic. When you go to buy your food and they put it in that white plastic something, and then you finish eating, you just dump it that is one of the biggest polluters,” the President said.

He stressed the urgency of taking action against illegal mining, deforestation, and pollution, describing them as major threats to environmental sustainability.

“We must fight illegal mining and the wanton destruction of our forests. If we don’t act now, we will not be able to hand over a healthy environment to our younger brothers and sisters and children yet unborn.”

President Mahama stated that the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, would soon enforce a total ban on the importation and local production of Styrofoam.

“We are going to ban the importation of Styrofoam plastics,”
“We have to use paper packaging or aluminum foil for packaging our food,” the President stated.

He added that food packaging in Ghana would soon shift toward environmentally friendly alternatives like paper and aluminum.