Let's protect nation's peace-Minister
Sunyani (B/A), Aug. 19, GNA – Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister has reiterated the need for Ghanaians to jealously protect and maintain the current peace prevailing in the country as the 2012 general elections draw closer.
He said Ghanaians should strive hard to allow the peaceful atmosphere that characterized the 2008 elections to prevail before, during and after the December polls for accelerated national development.
Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo made the call when he addressed more than 1000 Muslims at a durbar to observe the Eid-Ul-Fitr to climax 30-days of prayer and fasting at the Sunyani coronation park on Sunday.
He said politics was meant for development so political party opponents; especially the youth should always not see themselves as enemies but partners in development.
The Regional Minister said Ghana's infant democracy would have not reached this level without the existence and contributions of opposing political parties.
Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo emphasized that the role of Muslim leaders in peace building could not be underestimated as they served as the embodiment of a larger portion of society.
He said the only way Muslim leaders could contribute in ensuring that peace prevailed in their communities was to tell their subjects to live in unity with other religious groupings.
Alhaji Omar Abdul Kadir, Brong-Ahafo Regional Chief Imam, who led the gathering to pray for the nation asked them to endeavour to observe the holy teachings of Islam.
The Regional Chief Imam said that would enable Muslims to tolerate the views of others and live peacefully with other people of different religions.
He told the gathering that “once they had prayed to God for forgiveness of sin; their prayers had already been answered” but was quick to add that there would be no sacrifice for their sins if they sin willfully.
Mr. Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, Member of Parliament for Sunyani East commended the Muslim communities in the constituency for the peaceful co-existence with other religious groups.
He said the contributions of Zongo communities to Ghana's democracy “cannot be overemphasized” and advised Muslims to continue playing their respective roles for national stability.