Ghana stands as an example of religious tolerance - Amissah-Arthur

Accra, July 18, GNA - Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has praised the leadership of the various Muslim communities for their contributions towards peace and religious harmony in the country.

He said despite the various challenges facing the country, Ghana still stands as an example of religious tolerance.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the statement when he joined hundreds of Muslim faithful for prayers at the Independence Square to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fast.

The Holy month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims attain closeness to God, as they bear the rigours of fasting for the sake of following a Divine commandment. It is also a time of reflection, prayer, abstinence, self-discipline and giving of charity.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur said the nation must continue to praise Allah for peaceful, stable and united Ghana and for the tolerance, understanding and compassion demonstrated by the various religious faiths in the country.

He said on a daily bases in our communities and workplaces, "we exhibit tolerance and appreciation of our different faiths and we care about each other's welfare.

'May we continue to enjoy this spirit of togetherness, more unity, more compassion and more caring in the years to come' he added.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur also stated that because government was concerned about the long term viability of the economy and its ability to provide the assured livelihood for the citizens, it is implementing some of the most difficult measures to ensure that they overcome the various challenges as quickly as possible.

He said the sacrifices, patience and prayers of the people, are producing the expected results.

He said the country would this year experience an improvement in the economy and was therefore confident that the programmes and projects, as well as the measures being implemented would continue to yield good results.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur said despite the country's enormous contribution to the Global Emergence Response for the three Ebola affected countries, Ghanaians must still be vigilant and implement the measures proposed by the health authorities to prevent any outbreak in the country.

He said the June 3, floods and fire disasters was a collective failure by the citizens to treat the environment with respect.

He said 'as we put in place measure to deal with the problem we need to resolve as a country to introduce discipline in the waste management practices and citing of building in water ways.'

Dr sheikh Nuhu Osman Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam, whose statement was read by Alhaji Alhassan Sulley, said the June 3, floods and fire disaster must be a wake up call to Ghanaians, and that, all must endeavour to live a discipline life from now onwards.

He called on all the Muslim Umar and Ghanaians to be law abiding and respect the bye laws and regulations of the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies wherever they may be.

The festival of Eid-ul Fitr marks the end of the 30-day fast and prayers, which offers the opportunity to faithful to seek the blessings of Allah.

GNA