BA Regional Minister appeals for peace

Sunyani (B/A), March 12, GNA - The Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, on Friday appealed to community and opinion leaders to assist in promoting peace and unity to ensure accelerated national development.

Describing the political instability and chaotic situation in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire as unfortunate, he expressed the fear that it could have a trickle-down effect on the social fabric and the state of Ghana's economy.

The Regional Minister who was addressing Moslem chiefs and leaders in Sunyani after a prayer of thanksgiving and supplication for the nation as part of the national week of fasting, prayer and thanksgiving, stressed the need to avoid divisive tendencies and provocative language which, he said, could destabilize the nation and retard its socio-economic growth.

He said Ghana was the envy of her neighbours and a toast of the wider international community because of her sound and pragmatic policies that had positioned her as one of the countries experiencing the fastest socio-economic development. Mr Nyamekye Marfo said this envious achievement had been because "over the years we have proved ourselves as peace-loving people, no matter our diverse ethnic backgrounds and the extent of our political differences".

The Regional Minister called for the protection of peace that currently prevailed in the country as well as prayers for the people of Cote d'Ivoire.

Alhaji Umaru Abdul Kadri, Regional Chief Imam who led the prayers, said every Ghanaian anywhere was an ambassador of the country and that made it an obligation to exhibit good conduct to portray a positive image of the nation.

Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo on behalf of the government presented a bull estimated at about GHc1,100.00 which was later slaughtered as a sign of sacrifice. 12 March 11