The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra – Young FOMWAG, the youth wing of the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Ghana (FOMWAG) has outlined activities to celebrate its silver jubilee.

The celebration which will be climaxed with a workshop in December this year is organised under the theme, “25 Years of Empowering the Muslim Young Girl: Challenges and Prospects”.

Other activities set to be replicated in other regions as part of the celebration included seminars in July and educational trips in September.

Speaking at the celebration launch, Hafsa Obeng, the Greater Accra President of the Youth Wing said the occasion presents an opportunity for a reflection on the impact, successes, and challenges of the group.

She observed that the low level of commitment has led to some branches’ collapse due to non-payment of dues.

“Moreover, disassociation of members from Young FOMWAG upon getting married or starting Senior High School, has also affected the activities of the association.

“With the counsel of our mother organisation, FOMWAG, we would take steps to clearly define the age criteria for joining and leaving the association,” she said.

Dr Rabiatu Ammah, a founding member of FOMWAG and the Chairperson of the occasion said young Muslim women should regard FOMWAG as an avenue to give back to Islam and their societies.

“We shouldn’t say we want something from FOMWAG, there is nothing in it for anybody to have. If you are expecting something, then know that you are not in the correct organisation,” she said.

Dr Hussein Ibrahim, Senior Lecturer at the Islamic University College, Ghana said FOMWAG has been the source of transformation for Muslims in Ghana and “I always tell the students that the best that could happen to women in this country has been FOMWAG”.

He encouraged Muslim men to think of setting up an association equivalent to FOMWAG to help groom and instil discipline in young Muslim men to become responsible citizens of the country.

The formation of the youth wing of the federation was mooted in 1998 under the leadership of Hajia Khatumi Mahama, then the National Ameera of the Federation.

The first youth camp was held in August 1998 at the Ahmed Rashid Islamic School in Achimota which attracted more than 250 young Muslim girls.

After the youth camp, the Young FOMWAG was established in Muslim Women’s Organisations in various localities such as Mamprobi- Korle Gonno, La, Sabon Zango, Shukura, Nima, Teshie, Amasaman, Ada, Tunga, Lashibi, Nungua, Research, Anyaa and Tuba.

It was finally inaugurated in June 2000, at the Centre for National Culture, (Arts Centre), Accra.

It had a mission of mobilising and creating a network of young Muslim girls in the Greater Accra Region, instilling discipline, and fear of Allah in them, empowering them through advocacy and awareness creation and grooming the girls for leadership in the mother organisation.

FOMWAG comprises women’s associations that included Ghana Muslim Ladies Association, Ghana Muslim Mission Women Fellowship, An- Nisa, Foundation for Future Women and Islamic Charity Centre for Women Orientation.