Former President Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings have congratulated the Muslim community for the successful conclusion of the Ramadan fasting period.

In a statement issued on Friday the former President and Mrs. Rawlings said the Ramadan period draws Muslim faithful closer to Allah and strengthens them spiritually.

The former First Couple said: ³We face a lot of negativity in this world and the Ramadan period is a test of faith and resistance to the allures of life. Successfully enduring this period will fortify and strengthen you as you embark on your daily activities to improve on your lives and that of your various communities.

³As we celebrate Eid ul Fitr today, reciting praises to Allah let us use the opportunity to preach peace and brotherliness within our communities and enjoin our youth in particular, to celebrate in moderation.²

Former President Rawlings and his wife also called for continued prayer for ³those of our brothers in conflict areas in Ghana and across the world so that periods such as these can inspire the establishment of long-term peace and tranquility.²

They said: ³Ghana is still suffering great political, economic and social challenges that require a lot of concerted effort both spiritually and physically to resolve and we call on our Muslim brothers to resolve to offer their quota in ensuring that they guide both our local and national political authorities to take political decisions that are in the true interests of the electorate.²

³We pray that Allah will guide you through these celebrations and bless us all on such a glorious day.

³Eid Mubarak, id sa id. Happy Eid²