President Mills Pledges Free, Fair, Elections & Cautions, Let's Watch What We Say

President John Evans Atta Mills has reiterated his pledge to Ghanaians that his government will ensure free, fair and transparent elections next year.

In that regard he has urged all political players to refrain from acts that could lead to violence and other forms of mayhem in the run up to the polls.

“Let us always watch what we say or do. We must always cherish the peace we are enjoying since Ghana is the only country that we have,” President Mills urged Wednesday, when he addressed a large gathering of Muslims at the Independence Square in Accra, to commemorate Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of thirty-days of the Ramadan fast.

In attendance were some members of the Diplomatic Corps, former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State and Members of Parliament.

President Mills pointed out that in spite of differences in the citizenry's political, economic and social persuasions “we are all one people” and stressed the need for Ghanaians to unite in the collective interest of moving the country forward.

On the Ramadan, he urged Muslims to use the occasion for self assessment and improve upon past performances. He gave the assurance that the government would do all it could to ensure that preparations towards this year's Hajj pilgrimage would be devoid of difficulties.

He, therefore, called on the Hajj Committee to work hard to avoid the challenges that often characterised preparations towards the pilgrimage.

Earlier, the National Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, welcomed all to the event and asked for Allah's blessings for them, in a speech read on his behalf.

He identified with the President's call for a peaceful election 2012 and said for his part, he had dialogued and engaged in activities, including seminars, with other religious bodies, all aimed at maintaining the peace.

Sheik Sharubutu expressed concern about political insults which is fast gaining currency in the country and stressed the need for politicians to rather focus on essential issues of development such as education and health.

The Chief Imam earlier led a prayer to mark the end of the Ramadan.