Sheikh Umar Abdul Kadiri, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Chief Imam, on Thursday advised Muslims to ensure a peaceful co-existence with other religious groups.

He said Islam is a peaceful religion and therefore imperative for its followers to demonstrate such traits to promote national peace and social cohesion.

Sheikh Kadiri gave the advice during an address of hundreds of Muslims gathering to mark this year’s Eid-Ul-Adha festival at the Coronation Park in Sunyani.

Led by the Regional Chief Imam, the Muslims prayed for the nation and observed some minutes silence for the 220 Muslims who were reported dead while on this year’s annual pilgrimage in the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

Sheikh Kadiri explained that Muslim parents have a responsibility to play in the proper upbringing and development of their children.

He advised Muslim leaders to ensure that children of school-going age are enrolled in school and remain in class, especially during school hours.

Mr Eric Opoku, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, said government appreciates and recognises the contribution of the Islamic religion and the Muslim community towards national peace.

He reminded the Muslims on the need for them to continue to pray for national peace as the country heads towards another general election in 2016.

Mr Opoku said development projects that had taken place in various Zongo communities since the government assumed leadership of the country must inform them to vote and retain the National Democratic Congress in power in Election 2016.

On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Regional Minister presented a bull, 20 bags of rice and several gallons of cooking oil to be distributed among the leadership of the Zongo communities.

He also presented an undisclosed sum of money to the chiefs imams, Council of Zongo Chiefs and the women leaders in the Zongo communities.