Regional Minister urges the people to sustain peace

Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister on Tuesday asked Ghanaians not to be complacent with the relative peace and stability that the country was enjoying but to do everything "necessary individually and collectively" to sustain it.

The Minister, who was addressing the Eid-Ul Fitr prayers of Muslims to mark the end of fasting at the Ho Police Depot Park, said the security and development of the nation was "a collective responsibility of the state, religious bodies and for that matter all Ghanaians."

He said the state expected religious bodies, including the Muslims to work in partnership with it for the development of the country.

"We need to co-exist peacefully so that together we can work for the development of the country," Mr Owusu-Yeboa stated.

He appealed to people in the Volta Region to do away with all divisive tendencies and to ensure "that we keep the Volta Region peaceful and stable."

Alhaji Hamza Umar, Regional Chief Imam who led the prayers, said abstinence as portrayed in fasting should not be in vain but reflect in the people's lives in the form of repentance and orderly lifestyle.

He implored Muslims to co-exist in peace with other religions and also to endeavour to send their children to school.

Alhaji Umar expressed regret that Muslims had not done much in the fight to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, warning that the disease was no respecter of persons and could be knocking at the door of anybody.

He commended the Ho District Assembly for funding the building of a block of three classrooms and a store at new Zongo in Ho and appealed for a library and extension of electricity to the area.

Mr Owusu-Yeboa, on behalf of the Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) presented six bags of rice to the Muslim community.