Orthodox Muslims celebrate Eid-ul Fitr in Tamale

Tamale, Nov 15, GNA - Orthodox Muslims in Tamale on Sunday celebrated Eid ul Fitr with open prayers at the Police Park. Addressing the Muslims after the prayers the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Iddrisu Adam, drew their attention to recent disturbing issues that were emerging in the metropolis.

He mentioned erecting unauthorised temporal structures along major roads in the area and said attempts to educate the people to stop the practice had fallen on deaf ears.

''Personnel from the assembly detailed to educate occupants of these structures had been subjected to harassment.'' Alhaji Adam said some people in the metropolis had also resorted to inciting traditional rulers against the assembly.

When the assembly asked people who had erected sheds and temporal structures at the Techiman Lorry Park to remove them, it received threats of bloodshed.

The DCE said some people had resorted to peddling lies and trying to provoke a clash between members of the assembly and traditional rulers, especially the "Buglana".

He assured traditional rulers that the assembly recognises their role in local governance and peace making and would not do anything that would undermine their authority.

Alhaji Adam appealed to the traditional rulers to assist the assembly to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the communities. On the December 7 polls, Alhaji Adam said there was growing unhealthy political rivalry among supporters of the various political parties in the metropolis.

"The intolerance of views of opponents has become the norm rather than exception. Personal attacks and stone throwing, destruction of posters, defacing of party billboards have become a Fashion." "Political party rally grounds have also become platforms for exhibiting the might of parties. Offensive weapons are displayed at rallies in broad day light," he said.

He said the proliferation of radio stations in the area had also worsen the already volatile situation as people who phone in during political programmes had abused the privileges by over expressing their views thereby inciting the people to act violently.

Alhaji Adam appealed to Muslims to advise leaders of political parties and their supporters and to exhibit the spirit of tolerance and forgiveness during the December 7 polls.

The Chief Imam of the Tamale Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulai Adam, prayed for peace in Ghana and Dagbon in particular and urged the youth to always consult their elders for redress of their grievances and to refrain from taking the law into their hands at the least provocation.