Tamale, Sept. 11, GNA - Muslim faithful on Friday gathered at various parts of the Tamale Metropolis to give thanks and praise to Allah for seeing them through the long month of Ramadan fasting. Sheikh Abubakar Sa-eed Zakaria, Leader of the Sunnah Ambariya Muslim Group, called for unity and understanding among the Muslim Community in order to bring about development and social cohesion. He said unity was a cardinal tool that could champion the cause of the Muslim world adding that they must live peacefully with one another.

He urged them to be mindful of the good deeds during the fast and be guided by them saying; "A lot of people live upright lives during fasting but quickly turn around to do the negative after fasting". Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister, urged Muslim leaders to use their privileged positions to inspire their followers to be punctual, hard working patriotic and accountable.

He told the Muslims that the government had set up a permanent Hajj Board to facilitate their pilgrimage to Mecca and assured them that every effort was being made to make their travel comfortable. The Regional Minister, who also addressed Muslim faithful at the Tamale Central Mosque, urged Muslims to actively participate in the up coming population and housing census and allayed their fears that the census was to be used for taxation purposes. Alhaji Abdulai Abdul-Salam, Tamale Chief Imam, appealed to Muslims to let the spirit of Ramadan continue to inspire them to live righteous lives and also learn to be each others keeper. Other orthodox Muslim groups also organised similar prayers at various parts of the metropolis to mark the celebration of Eid-Ul Fitr.