By Iddi Yire
Accra, March 31, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has used the the Eid Al-Fitr celebration to call for peace and national unity.
The President in his message to Ghanaians during the National Eid Al-Fitr prayers held at the Black Star Square in Accra, said the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace be into him) teaches mankind that the greatest amongst them, were those who promote peace for others.
President Mahama said Ghana’s development would not be determined by Ghanaians’ divisions but by their unity.
“I therefore urge all Ghanaians, especially our religious leaders, our community elders and our youth, to keep fostering peace and understanding amongst us,” he said.
“Let us reject division, let us reject hatred and let us reject intolerance. The Ghana we desire can only be built through collaboration and mutual respect.”
President Mahama took the opportunity to call on the chiefs and people of Bawku to give peace a chance.
“On this holiday occasion, where we celebrate the feast of Eid Al-Fitr after the holy month of Ramadan, my brothers and sisters in Bawku, let’s give peace a chance”.
The President said the Muslim communities in Ghana had made significant contributions to Ghana’s development and that he would like to take the opportunity to commend them for their efforts.
President Mahama said it was with a heart full of joy and humility that he stood before them today, marking his first Eid Al-Fitr celebration since he became President for a second time.
“The spirit of sacrifice, discipline and compassion you have demonstrated during the holy month of Ramadan embodies the values we all strive for in building a prosperous and just country,” he said.
“Today is a day of joy, thanksgiving and renewal of faith. It also reminds us of the values that define us as a people. Faith, sacrifice, unity and compassion are what we need.”
He said Ramadan was more than just abstaining from food and drink; saying “it is a time for deep spiritual reflection, it is a time for self-discipline and it is a time for kindness towards others”.
“This period invites us to cleanse our hearts of bitterness while embracing the principles of patience, love and humility.
And so, if you have a quarrel with somebody this month of Ramadan after Salah, go to the person’s house and make peace with them.”
He said Ghana was a nation blessed with religious harmony; declaring that “we have built a society where Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully with other religions”.
“We share in each other’s celebrations. We support one another in times of need and we work together for the progress of our nation. This is a blessing we must never take for granted.”
President Mahama reiterated that the celebration of Eid al-Fitr was one that should be done with peace and dignity; saying “unfortunately, in the past, reckless riding, reckless driving has led to the unfortunate loss of lives”.
“And I want to say, no one must die in the celebration of Eid. No one must die at the end of the celebration of the holy month of Ramadan. And so I’m going to caution our young people who drive their cars recklessly, and their motorbikes recklessly, I have asked the Police to look out for you.”
The President cautioned that anyone who drives a vehicle recklessly or rides a motorbike reckless would be arrested by the Police.
“My brothers and sisters let’s work together, guided by the principles of faith, justice and compassion to create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations,” he said.
Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, who led the national Eid Al-Fitr prayers at the Black Star Square in Accra, prayed for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
The National Chief Imam raised concerns about Ghana’s economy, in terms of Ghanaians’ obligations as citizens, that they must do something to improve the economy; so that they would not go around begging so that external forces would not impose certain conditionalities on them.
He urged the Government to devise the means of generating more revenues locally to help build the economy.
The National Chief Imam urged Ministers and appointees of the President to be loyal to the President and the nation, adding that they must not disappoint him.
GNA
GRB