Government determined to support Muslims

Accra, Sept.10, GNA - The Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, on Friday, assured Muslims of the government's determination to support and promote their welfare.

He said the government would also not discriminate against any section of the people especially the Zongo communities when it comes to the sharing of the national cake.

In a speech, read on his behalf, of Mr Mahama by Dr Mustapha Ahmed, Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, at the end of prayers of the Ahlussunna Wal Jama'a, to mark this year's Eid Ul-Fitr, at the Efua Sutherland Children's Park, in Accra.

Other government officials at the function included Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Deputy Minister of Energy and Alhaji Baaba Lamin, of the Office of the Vice President and in-Charge of the Zongo communities.

The Vice President last year joined the Ahlussunna Wal Jama'a to celebrate the Eid but could not do so this year because he is on official duties in China, Dr Ahmed explained.

Mr Mahama also assured Muslims of the government's resolve to provide good governance and transparency in the management of the national resources, especially the country's oil.

He called for unity among Muslims in the country and asked them to pray for the peace of the nation.

He urged the youth to be moderate in their celebrations and not to engage in activities which could mar the essence of the one month fasting and Allah's blessings.

Sheikh Umar Ibrahim Imam, National Imam of the Ahlussunna Wal Jama'a, in a sermon, reminded Muslims of their responsibilities and urged them to sustain the experience and lessons that they learnt during the holy month of the Ramadan to reflect the true character of a believer.

He urged Muslims to portray themselves as people of faith whose actions were worthy of emulation and not become a nuisance to others by obstructing roads and unruly riding of motorbikes on the Eid day.

Sheikh Imam also called on Muslims to contribute meaningfully towards the WAQF Endowment Fund set up by the group last year to help alleviate the socio-economic problems of Muslims in the country.

He announced that two out of the 10 regions alone had been able to raise more than GHC 40,000 cedis for the fund.

He said it was undisputed that there was no religion that placed much premium on the quality of the socio-economic lives of its adherents than Islam.

He said the proceeds from the fund would be used for the construction of schools, health facilities, shelter, investment in agriculture and to provide for the needy, women and children.