Takoradi, Jan. 20, GNA - Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister said the Edil-ul-Adah festival must unite the nation rather than divide it.

"We intermarry and try to live in peace as one people irrespective of our ethnic and diverse religious backgrounds", she added.

Madam Horner-Sam said these in Takoradi, during the celebration of the sacrificial feast of Adah on Thursday.

She stressed that inter-ethnic strife could lead to destruction, retardation of developments and a total collapse of law and order.

"It is therefore, our responsibility to ensure that we build a strong and prosperous country, which would also facilitate the socio-economic role of Islam, she added.

Alhaji Abdulai Seidu, Imam of Takoradi, who led the prayers asked Muslims, to live in peace with other religious faiths and tribes to ensure the rapid development of the country.

He appealed to Muslims to make the education of their children their priority and assist other deprived children in their communities.