Muslims in Northern Region laud government for airlifting pilgrims

Muslims in the Northern Region have commended government for airlifting pilgrims from Tamale to Jeddah to perform this year’s Hajj.

Delivering a sermon after the Eid prayers in Tamale, the Regional Imam, Sheikh Ahmed Salam, said airlifting pilgrims direct from Tamale made the Hajj easier for Muslims in the region.

He used the occasion to advise the youth against violence, saying they should avoid politicians who may use them to foment trouble.

For his part the Northern Regional Minister, Abdallah Abubakari thanked Muslims in the region in particular and the nation at large, for exhibiting a high sense of tolerance towards other religious bodies.

He said whereas other countries in the West African sub-region continue to suffer religious conflicts, Ghana continues to enjoy peace and urged religious leaders across the nation to continue to use dialogue to address their differences.

The Minister announced that, the first batch of pilgrims from Mecca will arrive at the Tamale Airport on the 22nd of this month and urged Muslims to come out in their numbers to welcome them.

Mr. Abdallah called on Muslims to continue to pray for the nation as the elections approach.

He reminded the congregation that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that development can take place.

Mr. Abdallah therefore urged Muslims to reflect on the teachings of Islam and live in peace with one another.

From Bolgatanga, Correspondent Isaac Asare reports that the NAFAC grounds was the venue for the celebration of this year’s Eid-Ul-Adha.

Hundreds of orthodox Muslims and sympathizers converged on the grounds to offer prayers to Allah for a successful fasting season and also share in the joy of the festivity, which serves as the feast of sacrifice.

In a message, the Upper East Regional Minister, Albert Abongo, urged the Muslim community to demonstrate Islamic teachings of brotherliness and tolerance even to non- Muslim members.

He charged Muslim leaders to take advantage of the election period to propagate the message of peace and togetherness as Ghanaians are noted for.

The Regional Minister again used the occasion to appeal to politicians to pursue their political agenda with decorum.

He urged them to concentrate on issues that would move the nation beyond where it finds itself devoid of personality attacks.

His message was rekindled by the Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Yusif Adams, who admonished the President and Ghanaians in general to work towards ensuring a smooth and peaceful electoral process.

He further entreated Muslims to chart a common path by emulating the shining examples of the holy prophet.

Prayers were said to seek Allah’s blessing for a peaceful election come December 7.

The Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Simon Afeku, who graced the occasion, advised Muslim youth to celebrate the day with caution and not indulge in actions that will endanger their lives, hence the need for them to rejoice in moderation.

A ram was later sacrificed to exemplify the act of obedience by Prophet Ibrahim.

Correspondent Sualah Abdul-wahab reports that hundreds of Muslims thronged the Jubilee Park at Wa in the Upper West region to mark this year’s Eidil Adha.

The Imam of the Wa Central Mosque Dr Sulema Bukari led the Orthodox Muslims in prayer while the Ahamadis also observed their prayer at the TI Ahmadiyya Junior High School gardens.