Maintain the spirituality of hajj - Mills

Accra, Sept 21, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills has stressed the need to maintain the spirituality of the Hajj and pledged Government's determination to work with the leadership of the Muslim community to ensure successful Hajj.

He noted with concern that there had been problems on the organization of the Hajj in recent years which he blamed on the commercialization of the pilgrimage.

Addressing a congregation of Muslims at the El-wak Stadium to mark this year Eidul Fitr, President Mills reminded muslims that the Hajj period was for spiritual cleansing rather than exploitation. This year's national thanksgiving and prayer have to be shifted to the ElWak Sports stadium instead of the usual Independence Square because of the Centenary Celebration of the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. President Mills said thirty days of self denial to renew ones spiritual bond with God was worth sacrificing and call for Allah's blessing.

He paid glowing tribute to Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President whom he described as someone who went at every length to ensure that the country was united. He said the celebration of Dr Nkrumah birthday and the Eidul Fitr on the same day was not just a mere coincidence but something which should bring the nation together.

He said Dr Nkrumah was one person who did not look at ones ethnic background; 'whether he is from the north, south, east or west but to have one Ghana'.

President Mills said his administration would work with the Chief Imam to ensure that the lot of Muslims was improved. The Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu whose speech was read by Alhaji Gado Mohammed, called for the extension of the Northern Scholarship scheme which was initiated by Dr Nkrumah to bridge the educational gap between the north and the south as well as help the young in other deprived Zongo communities in the south. He said this would go a long way to ensure that people in those communities were not left behind as the country strive to achieve better education for all.

He commended the President for his leadership style which he said was a positive sign that offered hope for the future. Sheikh Sharubutu also praised Dr Nkrumah for his life-long effort to put Africa on the world stage.

He said his development agenda and quest to unite the continent into one body would forever remain a great achievement. He urged Muslims in the country to endeavour by unite and plan towards a better future. The Chief Imam noted with appreciation how the Mills administration was solving problems inherent in education with zeal.