By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, April 3 GNA – Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has called on the Muslim community to constantly pray for the restoration of permanent peace in Bawku and its environs.
“Let us continuously pray for peace in Bawku and other conflict endemic areas and support government’s efforts in this regard as we strive to govern and make life better for us all.
“As a government, we do recognise the pivotal role of the Muslim community in promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in this country,” he said.
The Regional Minister made this appeal in a speech read on his behalf during the commemoration of this year’s Eid ul-Fitr in Bolgatanga.
According to the Regional Minister, apart from loss of lives and destruction of properties, the Bawku chieftaincy conflict had posed untold hardships on residents and contributing significantly to retarding development and socioeconomic progression.
Mr Akamugri stressed that achieving permanent peace in Bawku was of utmost importance to President John Dramani Mahama and the Upper East Regional Security Council.
The Minister called for support from all stakeholders to realise the goal.
“In view of this, government would continuously support the efforts of the Otumfuo led mediation team to culturally and peacefully resolve the conflict and restore lasting peace and normalcy to the area,” he added.
The Regional Minister indicated that the government was committed to meeting the intereats of the Muslim community, adding that budgetary allocations had been made to provide scholarships for Muslim students.
He urged the Muslims to demonstrate unity and virtues of Ramadan beyond this season to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Maulvi Abass Bin Suleman, the Upper East Regional Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslims, advised Muslims to exhibit the virtues of Ramadan and show it to their fellow human.
He said when Muslims portrayed the teachings and the spiritual nourishment experienced during the fasting period, it would not only help build a beautiful society but would enhance growth and peaceful coexistence.
GNA
FAA/BM