Youth cautioned against violent acts

The Northern Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Ahmed Abdul-Salaam, has cautioned the youth against allowing themselves to be used as instruments for violence during this year’s election campaigns.

Alhaji Abdul-Salaam indicated that as future leaders, it was incumbent on the youth to help protect the peace in the country so that they could build upon it to accelerate development instead of engaging in activities that had the potential of wrecking the nation.

He observed that as the political campaigns heat up there was the urgent need for religious leaders to step up their campaigns against utterances and actions that could disturb the prevailing harmony the nation was enjoying.

“It is important for us to keep on reminding our congregants that we are each other’s keeper and that we can always disagree to agree on issues that would be of benefit to the general good of all; and that they should eschew violence at the least misunderstanding or provocation,” the Imam further admonished.

Alhaji Abdul-Salaam, who was speaking in an interview with graphic.com.gh, also appealed to the various presidential candidates to impress upon their supporters to live above reproach as they themselves preach peace anytime they interacted with their supporters.

The Imam equally advised parents and guardians to live up to their responsibilities of imbibing good sense of patriotism and discipline in their wards in order that when they grow they would not depart from such conducts.

He entreated all Muslims to use the coming Friday to offer special prayers for the nation for Allah to continue to shower His blessings on the country to better the lot of the people.

Alhaji Abdul-Salaam also expressed concern about the high rate of discipline on the roads leading to accidents. According to him such incidents could be prevented if drivers were patient and adhered strictly to driving regulations.

On the predictions by the Meteorological Department that the nation would witness windstorm and heavy rains this year, the Imam asked the people to pray feverishly against such calamities as practical measures were taken by the government and the people to protect life and property.

He prayed to Allah to grant the President and his government wisdom and good sense of judgement in the management of the affairs of the country to ensure perpetual peace and prosperity for the nation.