Chief Imam offers Prayers for Ghana

Accra, Feb. 27 GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama, Greater Accra Minister Sheik I. C. Quaye and the Visiting Governor of Bauchi State of Nigeria, Alhaji Dr. Ahmadu Adamu and other Ministers of State, were at the Abossey Okai Mosque on Friday to join the National Chief Imam Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu and other Muslim Clerics to offer prayers for the nation on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of independence.

Sheik Sharabutu asked God to favour Ghana with prosperity, stability and abundance peace. He asked the almighty Allah to extend his gracious hand of longevity, health, guidance and sustenance to the President John Agyekum Kufuor and his team.

He also prayed to God to extend His mercies and support for a peaceful election year and called on Ghanaians to eschew violence and embrace peace to fast track the country's growing democracy.

The Chief Imam appealed to the youth to be humble in this life and extend respect to parents and guardians, the aged and authority to allow for smooth governance of the country, as they would leaders tomorrow. He said disciplined youths resourced with humility, love for one another and unity were indispensable to God and country. "We are Ghanaians no matter one's geographical and political bearings. This we must develop together with one purpose to put our country Ghana first."

Sheik Sharabutu reminded Muslims that they were a peace loving people and advised them not allow anyone to politically manipulate them. He charged Muslims to keep up the faith and hold steadfast the teachings of the Koran to enable the religion to spread.

Sheik Sharabutu said he would continue to pray Ghana and thanked all Ghanaians and sympathisers, who in diverse ways mourned with him when he lost his wife.