Ignore Advocates of Intolerance, Kufuor Advises

President J.A. Kufuor on Sunday joined this year's Damba festival organised by the Islamic and Northern Ghanaian communities in Accra. The colourful festival chalked a first in bringing together an assemblage of not only Dagombas and other ethnic groups from the northern part of Ghana but others in the diverse Zongo communities hosting guests from as far afield as Yendi, Kumasi and Koforidua.

The guest of honour, President Kufuor, asked Ghanaians to ignore those who cannot be tolerant of others. He solicited the patience and tolerance of Ghanaians to enable the government to achieve its set objectives. The seriousness of this plea was underscored when he sought the intervention of the National Chief Imam and other imams to pray to God to make it possible for the government to fulfil its promised programmes within the mandated 4-year life span of his administration, at the end of which he said Ghanaians could choose to either retain it or ask "any of the sister parties to take over the reigns of government."

This was diplomatic oration at its best and the ovation he received was understandable. He also had special words for the people of the northern regions. Dr. Edward Mahama leader of the People's National Convention (PNC), had described the northern regions as lagging behind their southern counterparts in an earlier speech. The President said his government would not leave the challenge of developing that part of the country to the people alone but would ensure that the development of the place is taken up by his government. On agriculture, he said his government would develop the cotton industry so that it can provide the vital inputs for the textile industry. That would provide the country the much needed foreign exchange and help Ghana reap the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunities Act or AGOA.

It was not a partisan affair because Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas NDC Member of Parliament for Bimbilla was given almost equal billing to the President and Vice President. Fondly called by his contemporaries as Chambo, his tact and dexterity was at its best when he told the audience that at the end of an election, whichever party comes to power should be supported to achieve its objectives for the development of the country. With regards to the "Golden Age of Business" as promised by President Kufuor, he asked people from the north to take advantage of it by educating their children to equip them for the challenges. He lightened the task of the translators as he switched over with ease from English to Dagbani and Hausa to convey his message. The PNC leader, Dr. Edward Mahama also asked his audience to invest in their children's education. The theme of education ran through most of the speeches at the festival.

The man who stole the show at the function was perhaps Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey as he dressed splendidly in Dagomba costume of smock, giant sized trousers and a towel across his shoulder. A stranger to the country could have taken him for a chief from Dagbon. When he stepped out to dance to the rhythm of Dagomba drummers in front of the President, the Vice President and other dignitaries on the rostrum, he was met with much appreciation through the showering with money - a Dagomba custom of showing delight towards a performer.

Alhaji Mustapha Ali did not allow himself to be outdone by Jake as he took the floor and took measured steps to conform with the beats of the drummers. There was an upsurge of admirers who took to the floor to shower money on the Deputy Minister as he continued to dance away with dexterity. The 'Sabongida Boy' had to be asked to end the dance as the crowd of admirers was getting too big to the discomfort of the security men.

Awards were made to the President, the Vice President, the National Chief Imam, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas and the head of the Islamic NGO, the Islamic Council for Humanitarian Services, Alhaji Mustapha Ibrahim. President Kufuor was honoured with a smock and a befitting citation which reflected the admiration of the Islamic community for the courage he has shown for weathering the storms of two previous elections in the face of daunting odds. The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama also received a smock and a citation. The roles of Alhaji Nuhu Sharubuti, the National Chief Imam, Dr. Chambas and Alhaji Mustapha were also acknowledged with shields and accompanying flowery citations. The Greater Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C. Quaye who chaired the function extolled the virtues of the President and reacted to the accolades he received in the introductory address by Madam Fatima, a Superintendent of Police at the Police Headquarters by describing himself as a humble servant of God. All in all it was a perfect mix of religion, politics and ethnic diversity.