File photo
Sheikh Umar Abdul Kadiri, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Chief Imam, has advised Muslims to co-exist peacefully with other religious groups.
He said Islam is a peaceful religion and it was imperative for the followers of the religion to demonstrate such peaceful traits to promote national peace and social cohesion.
Sheikh Kadiri gave the advice when he addressed hundreds of Muslims at a gathering to mark this year’s Eid-Ul-Adha at the Sunyani Coronation Park.
Led by the Regional Chief Imam, Muslims mostly dressed in their religious costume prayed for the nation and observed silence for 220 Muslims reportedly dead in Mecca.
Sheikh Kadiri explained that Muslim parents had a responsible role to play in the proper upbringing of their wards for development.
This, he said, Muslim parents could do when they draw their children closer and instill in them the principles of Islam so that the children would grow and become useful assets.
Sheikh Kadiri advised Muslim leaders to ensure that all school-going age children are enrolled in schools.
Mr Eric Opoku, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, said the government appreciated and recognized the contribution of the Islamic religion and Muslim community towards national peace.
He reminded the Muslims on the need to continue praying for national peace, as the country heads towards another general election in 2016.
Mr Opoku said development projects that had taken place in various Zongo communities since the government assumed leadership must inspire them to retain the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in power in 2016.
On behalf of the President, John Dramani Mahama, the Regional Minister presented a bull, 20 bags of rice and several gallons of oils to be distributed among the leadership of the Zongo communities.
He also presented an undisclosed sum of money to the Chiefs Imams, Council of Zongo Chiefs and the women leaders in the Zongo communities.
