Veep calls for unity

Kade (E/R) Sept. 1, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama at the weekend observed that no nation could develop in a state of instability, insecurity and disunity.

"The need for all of us to unite and develop in an atmosphere of security and trust cannot therefore be over emphasized," he said. Vice President Mahama, was speaking at the annual Ekaade festival of the chiefs and people of Kade at the Kwaebibrem District of the Eastern Region.

Ekaade is in commemoration of the exploit of the ancestors of the people, leading to the settlement at Kade between 1730 and 1750. Vice President Mahama stressed that the nation had made progress so as a result of unity of purpose in spite of diversity, adding, "this is an invaluable assets we must all learn to cherish." He commended the people for exhibiting communal spirit resulting in the construction of hostels for the local secondary and technical schools.

He however, noted that the enthusiasm with which local communities addressed challenges confronting them was waning due lack of leadership. Vice President Mahama asked parents to encourage their children to develop interest and careers in information, communication and technology.

"This is the only way to bring them into the main stream of activities taking place globally." Touching on the festival, he lauded the celebration, when he said: "A festival is a showcase of our cultural heritage and values. Because of the impact of the Western culture of our youth; it is important that such occasions are use to revisit the birth of our culture." Kadehene (paramount chief of Kade), Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II, complained about the delay of Kade township roads and the town's library project.

Vice President Mahama, who was on a day's visit to the Region also inspected works on the Nankese Islamic Primary School being constructed at the cost of 860 million cedis. He called on the local Muslim community to embrace secular education as a means to eradicate poverty, ignorance and maginalisation. The six-unit classroom block comprises an office, a store and staff common room.

Addressing a durbar of the chiefs and people of Koforidua to mark the fifteen anniversary of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Vice President Mahama stressed that Ghana is a secular State, hence the need of all Ghanaians to respect the status quo. Daasebre Professor Emeritus Oti Boateng, Omanhene, of Juaben, said it was wrong for anyone to claim that his or her religion was better than the other. He appealed to Ghanaians to strive for peace and unity to facilitate national development. Daasebre Boateng said the traditional area, in collaboration with Muslims, has established a Muslims Education Fund and appealed to adherents of the religion who are 18 years and above to contribute towards the fund. 01 Aug. 07