Accra, Jan. 10 GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday called on the Muslim community to use the celebration of the Eid-Ul-Adha to pray for more peace, harmony and mutual understanding that would bond all Ghanaians together.

They should also ask for His continued shower of blessings for the nation and its people.

"It is my prayer that Almighty Allah would banish wars, diseases and racial hatred so that mankind would live in unity," he said, as he joined the Muslims to mark their festival of sacrifice at the Independence Square in Accra.

Eid-Ul-Adha is an important religious festival on the Islamic calendar during which Muslims pray and meditate in commemoration of "The Duty of Sacrifice" dating back to the era of the Prophet Abraham. President Kufuor used the occasion to pay tribute to the Hajj Board for the successful manner in which it handled the departure arrangements for this year's pilgrimage.
"I congratulate the members of the Board for their performance so far. But like all human endeavours, there is always room for improvement. Therefore, I encourage the Board to remain sensitive to feedback from returning pilgrims to ensure a constantly improving and client-friendly service delivery."
He also appealed to future pilgrims to co-operate fully with the Board at all times to avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary inconveniences.
"Government's expectation is that the Hajj pilgrimage will remain an uplifting spiritual experience as well as an enjoyable travelling and learning opportunity for all who are blessed to undertake it." Alhaji Mamah Gado Mohammed, a member of the Eid-Ul-Adah Committee, in a welcoming address, said the significance of the festival laid in the need for all Muslims to sacrifice personal interest for the common good of society.
"In the spirit of Eid-Ul-Adha, we urge our brothers and sisters in Islam to endeavour at all times to pray and make sacrifices as our contribution towards the economic and social development of mother Ghana."
He said they were grateful to the Government for the prompt response and action resulting in the installation of the new Hajj Board. Sheikh Kamaludeen Abubakar, Deputy National Chief Imam, prayed for peace, prosperity and well being of all Ghanaians.