President John Evans Atta Mills, on Friday reiterated the need for decency, avoidance of intemperate language and sticking to the truth in national politicking.

He expressed worry about recent developments resorting to “Too many untruths, lies and intemperate language” with a reminder that “There can be no progress if power is acquired through violence or any other action that would lead the nation to flames.”

The President said these in an address at the National Muslim Prayer at Abossey Okai Central Mosque in Accra, an event that was part of the 55th celebration of Ghana’s Independence Day.

Prayers were said on separate days by adherents of Islam and Christianity, to thank God (Allah) for blessing the nation, and to seek prosperity from Him in the coming year.

President Mills, who had two weeks earlier joined Muslims at the same venue to worship with them, to signify greetings preceding the March 6 Independence Day, said Ghana’s achievements could not have been made without the blessings and direction of Allah.

He had often said God was the President of Ghana, therefore, it was important to give thanks to Allah because man owed his existence to God, and should not take His blessings for granted though He is a forgiving and prayer answering God.

President Mills noted that Allah required: “Us to be truthful, care for one another, humble and seek out for righteousness and justice.

“These are the things that should be the foundations of our society.”

President Mills said Allah had blessed the nation more than the citizens expected, and in a meditative mood the President praised God: “We are grateful to you, that you have given us what others are craving for; we are grateful to you that you have agreed to be the President of this nation; and you have given us the direction and the protection.”

On Election 2012, the President emphasised that with Allah’s blessing, there would be peace before, during and after the elections, but called for collective effort, with special responsibility on political parties to use power to improve the lot of the disadvantaged and vulnerable in society.

President Mills expressed worry over the resort to untruth, lies and their tendency to tear the nation apart, pointing out that the language used in some circumstances was not something that children should learn.

He said: “We should be tolerant; we should use temperate language; even when we are angry, we should remember that anger will subside. We should not say anything that we’ll regret having said later.”

He appealed to the youth to avoid insults and said that the Ghanaian society required that elders are respected.

President Mills said that lack of respect and lies would never move the society forward.

He said: “Let’s remember that Allah… never lied nor insulted anybody,” adding that “We may belong to different political parties, but we must know that we are one people with a common destiny.“

President Mills thanked the National Chief Imam and the Muslim Community for their hard work and understanding.

Alhaji Huudu Yaaya, Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress, said Ghanaians should be thankful for peace, food sufficiency, non-outbreak of diseases, high economic growth, improvement in education and good political leadership.

He urged Ghanaians to register massively when the voters register opens. The occasion was used to appeal to Government to create time and space for prayers for Muslims in Senior High Schools.**