Prez Mahama@Eid-Ul-Adha Festivity: Let's All Commit To Peace

President John Dramani Mahama, has urged Ghanaians to show commitment to peace by their words and actions during and after the December 7, 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. That commitment, he said, was crucial because the strategy by the security services to maintain peace, law and order during the election would not be realised if the citizens failed to demonstrate their commitment to peace. President Mahama made the call Friday at prayers to mark Eid-Ul-Adha (the big Eid) at the Independence Square in Accra. Eid-Ul Adha, which is a festivity of sacrifice is celebrated at the end of the Muslims� pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sacrifice of animals, including sheep, goats, bulls and camels, is done in remembrance of the sacrifice the Prophet Abraham performed under the instruction of God. President Mahama said Ghana had held five successful elections, which had raised Ghana�s image as a beacon of democracy and constitutional governance. Therefore, he said, it was crucial for Ghanaians to commit themselves to peace by going out to vote without causing any chaos during the forthcoming election to further enhance the country�s image. The President said the security agencies had come up with a strategy to ensure peace during and after the election. Besides, he said, the security agencies would deal ruthlessly with anybody who orchestrated plans to disrupt the election. He commended the various religious groups for coexisting peacefully and stressed the need for religious leaders to continue to impress on their members, the need for them to continue to live in peace and harmony with followers of the other religious faiths. President Mahama noted that Eid-Ul Adha was a period of sacrifice, and indicated that human beings were God�s vehicles and instruments for goodwill. He, therefore, stressed the need for Ghanaians to demonstrate love and good will towards one another. The President requested prayers for Ghanaian Muslims, including the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, who were in Saudi performing this year�s Hajj. He again asked for prayers for the former Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who is on admission to recover from his ailment. In a speech read on his behalf, the Deputy National Chief Imam, Sheikh Kamaludeen Abubakar, stressed the need for Ghanaians to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the upcoming election. He was hopeful that Ghana would go through the election peacefully. Sheikh Kamaludeen prayed to God to continue to grant Ghana peace, stability and development. He again prayed for God�s guidance for President Mahama and his team to be able to run the affairs of the country for the good of all.