Safeguard Ghana’s peace - Veep

Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah- Arthur has cautioned the youth not to be influenced by any individual or group to destruct the peace and security of the nation.

According to him, there was the need to safeguard Ghana’s peace and tranquillity in the wake of violence and attacks in the sub-region.

Mr Amissah-Arthur, who was speaking at the 2014 edition of Eid-Ul Fitr prayer at the Black Star Square in Accra, said government was anxious about happenings outside the borders.

He asked Muslims to continue to pray for their brothers in Northern Nigeria facing bombing, kidnapping and other threats by the Boko Haram group.

Amissah-Arthur said the tolerance, understanding and compassion demonstrated by the various religious bodies had contributed to Ghana’s peace and stability.

He said Ghana stands out as an example in religious tolerance and accommodation, stating, “May we continue to enjoy this spirit of togetherness and may we stay more united, compassionate and caring in the years ahead.”

Amissah-Arthur said Ghana faces severe challenges, explaining that “our economic conditions are not the best, and several internal and external developments have contributed to this stage.”

However, he said government had implemented painful but necessary measures to ensure that the country’s economic challenges are overcome as quickly as possible.

“We are confident that the measures we have implemented are beginning to yield good results, and it will show very soon,” Mr. Amissah-Arthur said.

Touching on the spread of the Ebola virus, he said, “We need to protect ourselves from falling victim to the outbreak of the Ebola virus that has taken the lives of hundreds of residence in ECOWAS countries.

“We have a duty to learn about the virus and to learn how to prevent exposure to it. It will also be desirable to change some of our personal, social and dietary habits to improve sanitation.

With this, we reduce the chance of contracting the disease.”

He encouraged anyone with any of the Ebola symptoms to quickly report to the nearest hospital for assistance, stating that “our various health experts have introduced measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease.”

He assured that this year’s Hajj would be better organised than previous ones, urging all Muslims to corporate and contribute fully to make the Hajj, a success.

National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu prayed to Allah for peace and tranquillity in the nation, urging both Muslims and Christians to live in peace.

He urged Muslims to continue living holy lives despite the end of the Ramadan.