President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday, called on African leaders to rid the continent of religious factionalism or extremism for its adverse effect on socio-economic development. He said Africa was bedevilled with ignorance, disease, poverty, and intolerance in factionalism and extremism in religion.

President Kufuor made the call when Sheik Hassan Cissie, Senegalese National Imam, who is also the Head of Tijania Movement worldwide, led a Moslem delegation to pay a courtesy call on him at the Castle, Osu.

He said Ghana was blessed, because Ghanaians would not allow themselves to be involved in political or religious extremism, in addition, the present leadership made up of Christians and Moslems had not allowed any friction to divide their ranks but lived in peace and progress for the country.

President Kufuor urged Sheik Cissie to continue with his objective of preaching peace and humanity on the continent because "we want peace, prosperity and fairness to be the binding force for our development, not only in Ghana, the sub-region or Africa but beyond."

Sheik Cissie commended President Kufuor for his love and respect for the Moslems in the country with the nomination of a Vice President and 14 other Moslems as Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State to form the government.

He said, "with your love and respect for Moslems in Ghana, they would never disappoint you but assist you for the country to progress." Present were Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice- President, and Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam.