Kumasi, May 26, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has appealed to Ghanaians to resist negative political talk that seeks to divide the country. He also urged the youth not to be misled into violence by self-seeking politicians.

They should rather question those politicians as to what development policies they have in store for them especially in respect of education, jobs and health. Alhaji Mahama was addressing the Bisa community in the Ashanti Region on the occasion of the 30th anniversary celebration of the installation of Alhaji Osman Tanko as head of the community in Kumasi on Sunday.

The event was held on the theme, "Moulding a Disciplined Bisa Community for a Better Tomorrow". The Vice-President said peace was a vital ingredient for human development and there was the need for comportment in political activities to ensure an incident-free election in December. He called on Muslim parents to be committed to providing their wards with both Islamic and secular education. "A strong moral foundation from strict religious training is good but it is even better when coupled with general knowledge". Vice President Mahama reaffirmed government's resolve to work hard to provide political tolerance, social harmony and economic growth for a peace and prosperity.

The Vice-President praised Alhaji Tanko for his sterling leadership qualities which, he said, had brought harmony between the Bisa community and the other ethnic groups in the region. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), advised Ghanaians to pray for peaceful election. Alhaji Tanko thanked the Bisa community for their continuous support for him and promised to step up efforts in promoting their well-being. 26 May 08