The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Saturday, October 29, 2016, paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, ahead of the conduct of the December elections.

Campaigning in the Okaikoi Central constituency, Nana Akufo-Addo praised the Chief Imam’s dedication to and love for Ghana, stating that this needed to be emulated by all Ghanaians.

Accompanied by party stalwarts, including NPP Greater Accra Regional Chairman Ishmael Ashitey and his regional executives, Okaikoi Central Member of Parliament Patrick Boamah, former Greater Accra Regional Minister Sheikh I.C Quaye, NPP parliamentary candidate for Madina Boniface Abubakr Saddique, amongst others, Nana Akufo-Addo told the National Chief Imam that his purpose at his residence was to seek the blessings of Allah for him and the NPP.

With some 38 days to the holding of this year’s elections, the NPP flag bearer explained to the Chief Imam that the country faced a bleak future with President John Dramani Mahama’s continued stay in office.

“Change is needed in Ghana. We need a government whose sole purpose is to come and do a job for Ghanaians, so they can get jobs, wealth and prosperity. There is too much suffering in the land. No one has money. We cannot continue like this,” he said.

According to the NPP flag bearer, “We need a government that will come into office and implement policies and programmes that will return this country onto the path of progress and prosperity.”

Nana Akufo-Addo also asked for prayers and support for the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Okaikoi Central, Patrick Boamah, stressing: “These are the people, who, when in office, can ensure that Okaikoi Central moves forward.”

In a light-hearted moment, the NPP flag bearer urged all residents of Abeka to ride on the back of the Elephant, so they can move this country on the right path, explaining: “I’m very much at home in Abeka, because I was the lawyer who fought for the return of these lands to the chiefs.”

On his part, the Chief Imam thanked Nana Akufo-Addo for the courtesy of his visit.

In his remarks, he stated that he would continue to pray for the peace and stability of the nation, as well as for all political leaders vying in this year’s elections.

“We as Muslims, and other religious denominations, are all living in peace and harmony in this country. There is no conflict or dispute (amongst us). Other neighbouring countries are still suffering some misfortune and other forms of violence. We will pray to Allah to deepen the peace we are enjoying in Ghana,” he said.

He stressed: “It is Allah who grants dominion, power and authority, and he also takes it away from people. Whoever gets it, we will submit to the person. All we pray for is that Allah continues to make Ghana peaceful.”