President of the Ghana Retired Footballers Welfare Association and Chief Executive Officer of One God Forever Limited, Mohammed Elias, has been officially crowned the Sarkin Samari Zongo (Muslim Youth Chief) of the Tema Muslim Community.
The coronation ceremony, attended by the Chief Imam, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, traditional authorities, community leaders, youth groups and residents, also saw the installation of two deputy youth chiefs to support the new leadership in advancing the interests of the Muslim community in Tema.
In his acceptance speech, Mohammed Elias expressed appreciation to the youth and elders for the trust and confidence reposed in him, pledging to serve with humility, dedication and integrity.
He identified youth unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges facing the community and assured residents that addressing the issue would be among his top priorities.
According to him, he intends to leverage his connections with government institutions, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to help create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of young people within the Zongo communities.
“The youth are the backbone of every community. When they are empowered with jobs and opportunities, development naturally follows,” he said.
Mohammed Elias further pledged to work closely with community leaders and development partners to initiate programmes that would promote skills training, entrepreneurship and social development among the youth.
Also installed at the ceremony was Hon. Sumaila Adjetey Agaby as the Sarki Yaaki of the Tema Muslim Community.
Speaking after his installation, Hon. Agaby highlighted several developmental challenges confronting the Zongo communities, including poor road networks, inadequate school infrastructure and limited access to basic social amenities.
He stressed the need for collective efforts to address these challenges and improve living conditions for residents.
“Our communities continue to face significant developmental deficits, particularly in education and infrastructure. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure these concerns receive the needed attention,” he stated.
The spokesperson for the Tema Traditional Council, Nii Armah Somponu, congratulated the newly installed leaders and urged them to provide visionary leadership that would bring tangible development to the Muslim community.
Nii Armah Somponu expressed confidence in the new leadership and encouraged them to work diligently to meet the expectations of the people they have been chosen to serve.
The coronation marks a new chapter in the leadership of the Tema Muslim Community, with many residents expressing optimism that the new chiefs will help drive youth empowerment and community development initiatives across the Zongo areas.
Story By: Rebecca Lartey
