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Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said government would soon enact a legislation to provide permanent funding for the Zongo Development Fund to ensure its sustenance.

He said the legislation would enable successive governments to allocate financial resources towards the Fund without giving excuses.

He said the establishment of the Fund was in line with the Government’s agenda of transforming the country, saying; ‘‘no budget of Ghana has dedicated funds for the transformation and development of Zongo communities since independence’’.

The Vice President said this when he addressed Muslim faithful at the Birthday of Prophet Mohammed, organised by the Tijjaniya Muslim Mission in Kumasi at the weekend.

He said GH¢219 million had been allocated to the Fund in this year’s budget which was equivalent to the budget of five ministries, saying; “this shows how serious we were with its implementation.

‘‘We’re less than three months in government, but in our very first budget President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has established the Zongo Development Fund.

‘‘Not only that, but he has also appointed a Minister for Zongo and Inner City Development,’’ he said.
Vice President Bawumia gave the assurance that the law would be passed to ensure at least 50 million dollars was allocated to the Fund every year.

He commended the Tijjaniya Muslim Mission for its commitment towards supporting education in the country.
He said government would start paying Arabic tutors this year and make the Arabic Language examinable at the junior and senior high school levels.

He, therefore, urged Ghanaians, especially Muslim youth, to take advantage of the business-friendly policies in the budget to venture into business to create wealth.

The Vice President and National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, were presented with citations for their leadership roles and invaluable contributions to the society.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was represented by the Sumankwahene, Baffuor Asabre Kogyawoasu.

The event attracted dignitaries including Shiekh Tijani Aliu Cisse, the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdul Kadir Tahir, the President of the National Council of Zongo Chiefs, and other senior Muslim clerics.