President Mills: Prevailing peace in the nation is paramount
President John Atta Mills on Wednesday joined Muslims in Accra to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr and appealed to Ghanaians to protect the peace in the nation as it marched towards Election 2012.
He pledged the government’s commitment to ensure free, fair and transparent election and called for a refrain from acts or words that could disturb the nation’s peace.
“Let us cherish the peace and stability that we are enjoying,” President Mills said, as he addressed the congregation.
The worshippers, including Former Vice President Aliu Mahama, thronged the Independence Square to participate in the special prayers to mark the end of the month-long fast, the Ramadan.
President Mills reminded Ghanaians that despite the different religions and regions of the people, Ghanaians were one people who had only one motherland and called on the people to make the peace of the nation paramount.
He extended Allah”s blessings to the faithful and commended National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu for his peace efforts and willingness to bring all Ghanaians together.
President Mills appealed to the Hajj Committee to begin to work hard and avoid the problems and challenges that befell the Hajj last year.
He pledged Government’s support for the organisation of this year’s Hajj.
In a sermon the National Chief Imam stressed on peace as a pre-requisite for national development.
He said: “As a people, one of the greatest tributes that we can emulate form our Holy Prophet is to strive to live in peace with one another.”
“We must individually and collectively nurture, promote and sustain an atmosphere of peace and unity among ourselves. I wish to appeal to all Ghanaians especially the Muslim youth that 2012 is another election year. Every Muslim may have his or her own choice and should not allow any politician to misuse them.”
Sheikh Sharabutu reminded Muslims of the importance of education in human resource development and urged them to reciprocate the government’s efforts at improving education, health and send their children to school.
He expressed concern about the rampant case of brutalities and divorce among many families and called for respect of family values by being tolerant of one another.
The National Chief Imam advised the youth to desist from any bad acts that would defame Islam and the country.
He said special prayers for the nation.
Meanwhile, former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu has congratulated the Muslim community for dedicating themselves to a month-long period of fasting culminating in the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
A statement signed by the former first couple said the fasting period accorded individuals the opportunity to renew their spiritual strength and pray for the positive good of mankind.
“In Ghana we are faced with major socio-economic and socio-political problems that require every Ghanaian to put his energies together to resolve,” the statement said.
Source: GNA