The National Deputy Chairman of the Quran Recitation Affairs Committee, Dr Abdul-Razak Mohammed Issahak, has called on the government, the National Chief Imam and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to investigate an alleged practice involving the sale of Ghana’s slots at the World Quran Recitation Competition to Nigerians.
According to Dr Abdul-Razak, an individual whose identity he did not disclose allegedly travels to Nigeria to select Nigerians and subsequently arranges for them to obtain Ghanaian passports to enable them to represent the country at the annual international Quran recitation competition.
He expressed concern that the alleged practice was depriving qualified Ghanaian Quran reciters of the opportunity to represent the country at international competitions.
Dr Abdul-Razak alleged that the individual’s actions were driven by personal financial interests rather than the promotion and development of Quran recitation in Ghana.
He, therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegation and, if found culpable, ensure that the person is dealt with according to law.
He said such a development was necessary to protect the integrity of Ghana’s participation in international Quranic competitions and ensure that deserving Ghanaian contestants were given a fair opportunity.
Dr Abdul-Razak made the call at a ceremony organised by the Buobai Muslim Community in the Asokore Mampong Municipality to welcome and honour 19-year-old Zainab Abdul Rahmat and three other delegates who represented Ghana at the World Quranic Competition in Saudi Arabia.
Zainab distinguished herself at the competition by placing second, an achievement Dr Abdul-Razak described as a source of pride for the Muslim community and Ghana as a whole.
He said the performance demonstrated that Ghana had talented young Quran reciters who could compete favourably on the international stage if they were properly identified, supported and given the opportunity.
He urged stakeholders in the Muslim community to strengthen efforts to identify and nurture young people with exceptional abilities in Quran recitation.
Call to protect Ghana’s slots
Dr Abdul-Razak stressed the need for transparency in the selection of representatives for international Quranic competitions, saying the process must be based on merit and the abilities of contestants.
He maintained that Ghanaian youths who had dedicated years to studying and memorising the Quran should not be denied opportunities because of alleged financial arrangements involving individuals.
He consequently appealed to the government, the National Chief Imam and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to take the allegation seriously and ensure that the appropriate institutions examined the matter.
He said any person found to have abused the process should be made to face the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
Zongo Chief cautions youth
The Buobai Zongo Chief, Naaba Hamid Tijani Yakubu, also used the occasion to caution young people in Zongo communities against drug abuse and the irresponsible use of social media.
He described drug abuse and the misuse of social media as major threats to the future of the youth, warning that they could derail the lives and ambitions of young people if not addressed.
Naaba Hamid urged young people to make responsible choices and concentrate on activities that would contribute to their personal development and the progress of their communities.
He called on parents, Imams and community leaders to work together to guide, counsel and mentor the youth.
According to him, the upbringing of young people should not be left solely to parents, stressing that religious and traditional leaders also had an important role to play in shaping the character and behaviour of the younger generation.
He encouraged the youth to take advantage of education, religious instruction and other opportunities available to them instead of engaging in activities that could compromise their future.
Quran as guide to life
Meanwhile, Zainab Abdul Rahmat, who secured the second position at the World Quranic Competition in Saudi Arabia, has urged young people to devote more time to learning and understanding the Holy Quran.
Speaking in an interview with Oheneba Dankwah Jupitar Owusu, the 19-year-old said the Quran was not merely a religious text to be memorised but also a guide that provided direction for life.
She explained that the teachings of the Quran encouraged people to live morally upright lives and make responsible decisions.
Zainab said young Muslims could benefit greatly from studying and understanding the teachings of the Quran, particularly at a time when young people were exposed to numerous social pressures and influences.
She encouraged her peers to develop a strong interest in Quranic education and apply its teachings to their daily lives.
Her second-place finish at the international competition has been widely celebrated by members of the Buobai Muslim Community, who said the achievement demonstrated the potential of Ghanaian youth in Quranic scholarship and recitation.
The ceremony therefore served not only as a celebration of Zainab’s achievement but also as a platform to encourage greater investment in Quranic education, youth development and the promotion of discipline within Zongo communities.
The calls for an investigation into the alleged sale of Ghana’s competition slots, however, have also raised questions about the need for a transparent and credible system for selecting Ghana’s representatives for international Quranic competitions.
