Muslims pray for peace

Sunyani, March 12, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regio= nal Minister on Friday appealed to community and opinion leaders to assist in promoting peace and unity to ensure accelerated national progress and development.

Describing the political instability and chaotic situation in neighbouring Cote D'Ivoire as unfortunate, he expressed the fear that it could have a trickled-down effect on the social fabric and the state of Ghana's economy. The Regional Minister made the appeal while addressing Moslem chiefs and leaders in Sunyani after a prayer of thanksgiving and supplication for the nation as part of the national week of fasting, prayer and thanksgiving= .. He stressed the need for the citizenry to avoid divisive tendencies an= d provocative language, which he said could destabilise the nation and retard its socio-economic growth.

He said Ghana was the envy of her neighbours and a toast of the wider international community because of her sound and pragmatic measures that ha= d positioned her as one of the countries experiencing the fastest socio-economic development. Mr Nyamekye Marfo said the country was able to achieve this because "over the years we have proved ourselves as peace-loving people, no matte= r our diverse ethnic backgrounds and the extent of our political differences= ". The Regional Minister called for the protection of peace being enjoyed in the country as well as effective prayers for Cote D'Ivoire for understanding between the political factions so that the prevailing situation could revert to normalcy. Alhaji Umaru Abdul Kadri, Regional Chief Imam who led the prayers earlier in an address said every Ghanaian anywhere was an ambassador of the country and that made it an obligation for them to exhibit good conduct to portray a positive image of the nation. Mr Nyamekye-Marfo on behalf of the government presented a bull worth GH¢ 1,100.00 to the Muslim community.