President John Evans Atta Mills on Friday afternoon joined Muslims in prayer at the Abossey Okay Central Mosque in Accra, and called for an early planning of this year’s Hajj to avoid any hiccups.
The prayer session formed part of the institutionalized national prayer and thanksgiving that comes off in the week prior to the celebration of the nation’s Independence Day, which falls next Tuesday, March 6.
Accompanied by some Ministers of State that shared the Islamic faith, and Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional, President Mills, gave glory to Allah for his bountiful blessings on the nation since independence.
He said Allah would shower more blessings on the nation if the people continued to do what was right in his sight, and fasted and prayed to seek his face.
President Mills underscored the need for the citizens to think about the future and work to maintain the peace and stability the nation was enjoying.
He urged the youth to help Government make the future even better and in an apparent reference to some political elements who seek to use the youth to foment trouble and violence, President Mills said, “don’t allow any people to abuse your youth exuberance.”
He called on the religious community across the nation to pray for political leaders so that they would do what was right to maintain the peace and stability of the nation.
The national Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharabutu, prayed for the President, the Muslim faithful and Ghanaians.
A Christian prayer session in connection with the National Week of Prayer and Thanksgiving is expected at the Independence Square, Accra, next Sunday.