Minister calls on Muslims to lead responsible lives

Kumasi, Nov 03, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, the Ashanti Regional Minister, on Thursday called on Muslims to let the 30-day fasting encourage them to lead more worthy and responsible lives. "It should also encourage you to cultivate a sense of duty, respect, tolerance and being each other's keeper", he said. Mr Boafo was addressing thousands of Muslims and their children who gathered at the Central Mosque in Kumasi to mark Eid-ul-Fitr. He said if Muslims and the entire people of Ghana observed these attributes, it would facilitate the government's efforts at bringing development to bear on the nation.

Mr Boafo urged Muslim leaders to use their positions to inspire righteousness, punctuality, hard work, efficiency, effectiveness, patriotism and accountability among the people in their communities. Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Chief Imam who led the congregational prayers, called on the worshippers to fear God and have trust in him.

He told Muslims to forgive others and pray for them as they celebrate the festival.

The Deputy Chief Imam called on the worshippers to embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme and also encourage their children to embrace the fee-free secular education.

Alhaji Ibrahim Alkad, the Ashanti Regional Imam of the Ghana Muslim Mission, who also led congregational prayers at the Ghana Muslim Mission School Park at Akwatialine in Kumasi, urged the worshippers to continue to fast and pray for the socio-economic and spiritual development of the country.

He said there was the need for them to also contribute financially towards the development of their communities and the Islamic religion at all levels.

Delivering a sermon after prayers at an open air gathering of the Old Tafo Al-Sunna Wal-Janaa Muslim community, Alhaji Adam Kamardeen, the assistant Chief Imam of the sect, reminded them of the need not to use the occasion for only merry-making but also re-examine their activities and adopt effective strategies to improve on them. He advised them to eschew negative tendencies like rumour mongering, backbiting, petty squabbles and others, which impede development.

Alhaji Kamardeen urged them to gear their efforts at embarking on more development projects. Special prayers were said for the nation.