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The Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs. Hege Hertzberg, has called on leaders of the various religious groups in Ghana to safeguard the peace of the nation.

She said maintaining national peace is crucial to the nation building, particularly when Ghana is preparing to hold the 2016 general elections.

Describing the peaceful co-existence of the religions as a “wonderful asset” to Ghana, the Norwegian Ambassador however expressed fears about the intrusion of religious sects such as Boko Haram and ISIS, and the threats they pose to the growth of nation.

“This is a real treasure, maybe the most valuable asset Ghana has, and we should all take care and nurture it day by day, so that it remains too strong for any alien extremist to destroy,” she stressed.

Mrs. Hertzberg made this call when she joined the Tijaniya Muslim Council at its National Delegates Conference in Koforidua.

Mrs. Hertzberg implored religious leaders in Ghana to respect one another, saying “the best protection we can create is to speak well of each other, value our differences, enjoy diversity and respect each other’s right to practice our religion and live our lives.”

According to Peace FM'S Eastern Regional Correspondent, Michael Akrofi; the Norwegian Ambassador also challenged religious leaders to sensitize their members against the effects of violence on the progress of the economy.

She noted violence is not the option to better democracy, adding that there should be harmony and transparency in 2016 polls, to promote national peace.

Sheikh Khalifa Abdul Faidi Maikano, the President of the Tijaniya Muslim Council Ghana, also used the occasion to hail the first President of the TMCG, the late Sheikh Abdullai Maikano for his immense contributions to the Council to foster unity.