Vice President cautions Muslims against election-related violence

Kumasi, April 30, GNA- Vice President John Dramani Mahama, has appealed to Muslims to team up with other religious bodies to educate the youth against engaging in election-related violence that could mar Ghana's democratic dispensation.

He said Islam and the Prophet Muhammed stood for peace and the engagement of Muslims in any such violence could undermine the ethics of peace of the religion and derail the faith of believers all over the world.

Vice President Mahama made this appeal when he joined Muslims throughout the country and beyond during their annual Maulid prayers in Kumasi.

Maulid, which is celebrated annually to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammed, was this year dedicated to praying for peace and unity in the forthcoming general election in December, this year in Ghana.

The programme, which was attended by Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu, National Chief Imam, also attracted Muslims from Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Togo and Sheik Tijani Cisse from Senegal.

Vice President Mahama said Government would play its role at maintaining peace throughout the country, before during and after the elections.

He called on religious bodies and other members of the civil society to educate the populace, especially the youth against negative and divisive tendencies that could undermine democracy in the country.

Vice President Mahama gave the assurance that Government would absorb most of the schools serving Muslim communities, to make them attractive for the children to attend, and called on parents to eschew the annual withdrawal of children, especially girls from schools.

The only way, he said they could develop and lift themselves from abject poverty was through education, and urged parents to invest in the education of their children to enable them to become responsible adults.

Nana Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, in a speech read on his behalf, appealed to Muslims to continue to peacefully co-exist with their neighbours.

He cautioned the leadership of Muslims throughout the country to educate their youth against indulging in violence and other negative tendencies.

Apart from the prayers, the Muslims also treated the patrons to some delightful religious music amid appellations and doling out of money on them.

GNA