Regional News of Sunday, 1 February 2004

Source: GNA

Leader of Ahmadiyya advocates peaceful elections

Accra, Feb.1 GNA - The Ameer and Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Maulvi Wahab Adam on Sunday called on the leadership of political parties to consolidate the country's budding democracy by organising a matured and responsible electioneering campaign this year. Maulvi Adam, who made the call in a sermon to mark Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims festival of sacrifice at Ashongman in Accra said: "What touches the heart of the electorate is decorum in speech, truthful, objective, responsible and mature presentation of the crucial issues that confront the nation.
"In the course of the electioneering campaign and also before, during and after the elections, they (Politicians) should, for the sake of the unity, peace and progress of our dear country, spare us the agony of abusive and inflammatory language, intimidation and acts of violence."
Maulvi Adam urged Muslims to pray for free, fair and peaceful elections to help consolidate the democratic process and usher in an era of unprecedented growth, prosperity and happiness for the citizenry. Touching on the significance of the festival, he explained that Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the spiritual devotions of the pilgrims, who go to Mecca to fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Ameer had earlier led the congregation that included Ministers of State and Members of Parliament in an intercessory prayer for peaceful, free and fair elections.

Ghanaians urged to make sacrifices.

Tema, Feb. 1, GNA -- The Ahamadiyya Muslim leader in Tema on Sunday urged Ghanaians to continue to make more sacrifices for a better tomorrow as Abraham did and reaped a lot of abundant grace.
Maulvi Aziz-Ur-Rahman, head of Ahamadiyya Muslim Mission for Greater Accra, who made the call at a sermon at the celebration of Ed-ul-Adha in Tema said God will provide resources for the development of the nation, if Ghanaians offer sacrifice in their own little way. The sacrifice during an election year is for Ghanaians to exercise a lot of restraint, patience and reduce tension, so that, "we will continue to enjoy peace."
Maulvi Rahman said, "When we dedicate something for the sake of God, we will receive abundant blessing, meaning that our sacrifices will not be in vain."