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President John Evans Atta Mills on Friday visited the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharabutu in Accra, and expressed best wishes to the Islamic faithful as they celebrated the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, Founder of Islam. President Mills, accompanied by some government officials, arrived to a rousing welcome as a thrilled crowd of Muslims beat drums, sang and shouted appellations. He told the gathering that he had come there for two main reasons: that the Chief Imam was a very good friend and a "brother", who had never hidden his love, therefore, it was proper that they met whenever the occasion presented itself to exchange views. In addition, to convey his best wishes, on behalf of the Government, to the Council of Muslims, and the entire Muslims community as they observed the birth of Prophet Mohammed. The celebration, called Maulidi, in Arabic, is used to refer to the birth of the Islamic prophet and founder; and marked in the Rabi'alwwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. President Mills' visit comes a day ahead of the D-day, which falls on Saturday, February 11, 2012. On Saturday, there would be special prayers at New Fadama. President Mills said: "May the wishes of the best greetings of the occasion be with you and your people". He presented two cows and 30 bags of rice towards the celebration. The Chief Imam said prayers for President Mills, the Muslim community and Ghanaians. Among the President's entourage were, Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Transport; Mr James Bebaako-Mensah, Secretary to the President; Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional Minister; Liueteant General Henry Smith, Minister of Defence; Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha, Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Techonolgy; and Mr Mohammed Baba Jamal, Deputy Minister of Tourism. GNA