The Municipal Chief Executive of Effia kwasimintsim Municipality, Mr. Kojo Acquah has advised Muslim communities to take advantage of the government flagship programmes and other developmental projects to improve upon their living conditions.
He said as Muslims and disciples of the Prophet Mohammed it was imperative for them to emulate the prophet's good values and virtues by showing love to one another and live peacefully with their neighbours since peace was the bedrock for development.
The MCE said this when he joined the Ahamadiyya Muslim Mission to observe the Eid ul-fitr prayers at the Takoradi Technical University park.
Eid Ul-Fitr prayers mark the end of the 30 days Ramadan prayers and fasting among Muslims.
Mr Acquah also urged Muslim communities to contribute to keeping the city clean to prevent the constant flooding which results in the loss of properties and sometimes lives.
He hinted that his outfit would do everything to promote education in Muslim communities and offer any assistance if need be.
Maulvi Shamsu-Deen Boateng, the Takoradi Ahamadiyya Zonal Missionary who led the Eid prayers said, the significance of Eid was to appreciate and give gratitude to Allah for his protection, guidance and seeing them through the fasting period.
"That is why we visit families and send gifts across to the poor and sick so that they can also enjoy the gratefulness of Allah" he said.
Mualvi Boateng said it was disheartening the way some Muslims celebrated the occasion which he noted was contrary to Islamic doctrines and teachings.
He pointed out those activities such sallah dance, beach parties among others were not part of the teachings of Islam on the celebration of Eid ul- fitr and stated that whoever goes contrary to the teachings of Islam is not a true Muslim.
Mualvi Boateng pointed out that Allah only gave different colours, languages and tribes to prove his greatness and noted that no human was superior done the other.
He called on the feuding factions in the northern part of the country to settle their differences and embrace peace.
He advised Muslim youth to be submissive to the Will of Allah and not allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians and any other person to do evil but rather concentrate more on their education.