Vice President interacts with Muslim leaders in Ghana

Accra, Oct. 7, GNA - Government has announced new peace moves with the National Peace Council and the Council of Muslims Ummah to tackle internecine skirmishes at Bawku, the Dagbon State and Agbogbloshie a suburb of Accra which have claimed some lives. Vice President John Dramani Mahama who announced this said the measures were geared towards bringing new momentum in peace building efforts in the communities.

He was interacting with the leadership of the Muslim community in the country at the Castle, Osu, on Wednesday.

National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu led the clerics that included Maulvi Wahab Adams, Ameer and Missionary-in-charge of the Ahmaddiya Muslims in Ghana, regional chief imams and heads of Islam sects in their discussion with government officials. Vice President Mahama said the three conflict flashpoints were of great concern to government and the inclusion of Muslim Ummahs, an umbrella body of Muslim clerics in the country, was to help thaw the situation and prevent further carnage.

He expressed government's determination to organise a successful Hajj this year, and announced the establishment of transit camps at the El-wak stadium while prospective pilgrims from the northern parts of the country would be airlifted from the Tamale aerodrome to join their counterparts in Accra.

Vice President Mahama noted that government intended to airlift the pilgrims directly from Tamale but the nature of the runway could not make it possible.

He expressed appreciation to Muslims for their support for government and pledged of efforts to address the educational and economic problems facing zongo communities.

Sheikh Sharabutu in a speech read on his behalf, commended government for efforts to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj this year and pledged their total commitment to the government. He expressed concern about the renewed conflict in Bawku and urged the feuding parties to use dialogue to resolve their differences and pledged the commitment of the Muslim leaders to assist in bringing peace to the area. 7 Oct. 09