The National House of Chiefs (NHC) has called for unity and consensus building among Ghanaians to help speed up the nation’s progress.

They said it should not be lost on anybody that unity of purpose, commitment, dedication and hard work are critical to national development.

This was contained in a statement signed by Wulugu Naba Pugansoa, Naa Professor John S. Nabila, President of the House, to mark the Easter celebrations.

The NHC underlined the significance of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, pointing out that, it revealed God’s love for mankind as “He gave His only son to die on the cross so that the sins of mankind may be forgiven”.

“It was, therefore, imperative for mankind to love one another,” the statement said.

“The message of Easter, therefore, is love - love for our neighbours, love for our country and love which permeates all our activities and brings peace to our society.”

The House asked the people to pray unceasingly for God’s continued blessings and to desist from acts that could retard the march towards progress.

The statement advised drivers to be extra careful on the roads, especially during the festivities to avoid road crashes.

The chiefs also used the occasion to congratulate President John Dramani Mahama on his appointment as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States.

The statement expressed appreciation to chiefs and queens for the important roles they are playing to promote development; adding that, it is the prayer of the House that chieftaincy disputes would be minimised in the coming years.