The 2016 presidential nominee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his running mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, represent hope for the development of Ghana, the Chief Imam of Bia, Yakubu Abdulai, has said.

In a welcome address delivered at Essam, in the Bia West constituency in the Western Region, where Nana Akufo-Addo visited on Thursday, Imam Yakubu Abdulai stated: “We are convinced that you and Dr. Alhaji Bawumia represent hope, because we are aware of your track record and your unfailing commitment to see a prosperous Ghana. We have no doubt that Alhaji Bawumia desires same for Mother Ghana.”

According to the Chief Imam, the expectation of Muslims in Bia and across the country is for the government of the day to put “our taxes to judicious use” and create an enabling environment, so businesses can thrive. In the Imam’s opinion, the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia ticket will help Ghanaians “fish for ourselves” should the duo win the 2016 elections.

Imam Yakubu Abdulai said his request to the NPP flagbearer is to enable the citizenry “heave a sigh of relief” from challenges confronting the country.

The Imam used the opportunity to express appreciation to Alhaji Dr. Bawumia for donating 400 bags of cement and GHS10,000 for the construction of an Islamic Senior High School for the Bia District.

Imam Yakubu Abdulai also thanked Dr. Bawumia for “fulfilling his promise of sponsoring four Imams from the Bia District for this year’s Hajj”.