General News of Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Source: GNA

Heavy Security presence in Koforidua Mosque

Koforidua, Dec.19, GNA-There was a heavy security presence at the Koforidua Central Mosque on Wednesday where the celebration of this year's Eid-ul-Adha took place because of a long standing litigation between some elders of the Zongo community and the Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Yusif Seidu Suleimanu Amdani.

At about 0930 hours, the compound of the central mosque was already filled with Muslims from all walks of life when the Chief Imam arrived amidst tight security to prevent any unfortunate incident. Addressing the gathering Alhaji Amdani called on all Muslims to be mindful of the significance of the festival as far as the Islam religion was concerned and rededicate themselves to the course of Islam and pledge to be good Muslims in the years ahead.

He urged the youth to live at peace with their parents and elders and not to allow themselves to be used by any person or group of persons to cause mayhem and confusion in the region "as we approach election year, because such things do not bring good name to the Islam religion and the Zongo community."

He called for calm between the various Muslims groups in the region and urged them to see themselves as one people with a common destiny. One significant thing about this year's celebration was that almost all the prominent chiefs of the Zongo communities and government officials did not attend. Prayers were offered for the success and good health of the President and his Vice, the Regional Minister and the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area.