Muslim chiefs hail appointment of Yaw Barimah

Koforidua, Jan. 20, GNA - The Chairman of the Council of Eastern Region Muslim Chiefs, Chief Abu Adams has commended the President's nomination of Mr Yaw Barimah, as the Eastern Regional Minister.

According to him, the massive developmental projects carried out by Mr Barimah, especially in the Zongo communities, since his tenure of office as MP for New Jauben South could have contributed for his nomination.

Chief Adams said he believed Mr Barimah would understand the plight of the people of the Eastern Region better if his appointment was confirmed by Parliament, as he had been the MP for three successive terms.

Chief Abu Adams, who speaking to newsmen after the Eidil-ul-Adha prayers on Thursday said, it was encouraging that an MP, who had represented their interests in Parliament had been nominated to that position "since conflicts in some regions makes it difficult for the President to find a suitable appointee of such calibre".

He called on other regions where there are some sorts of conflicts to resolve them amicably, adding, "conflicts retard development".

Chief Adams assured Mr Barimah that the Muslim population in the region were behind him, adding that they were certain that Parliament would approve of his nomination to enable him to continue his good work. He urged President Kufuor to use his second term of office to tackle the economic hardships facing the majority of Ghanaians, "as they want to see the 'Positive Change Chapter Two' he promised reflecting in their pocket."

The Chief, who was not happy about the way the Hajj Board handled this year's pilgrimage, called for the establishment of a permanent Hajj Board and the opening of a bank account for prospective pilgrims to pay for upcoming Hajj.

He however, wished all the Hajj pilgrims a safe journey back home.