Kumasi, Aug.8, GNA - Mr John Dramani Mahama, Vice President, has said that conflicts and petty squabbles among Muslims have retarded their progress and affected the socio-economic development of the country.

He appealed to Muslims to stop such practices and work towards peace and harmony to enable them initiate more development projects to enhance their living conditions.

Mr. Mahama said these in a speech read on his behalf at the end of the 15th National Annual Ramadan Conference, in Kumasi at the weekend. The two-day conference, which was attended by over 200 delegates from various parts of the country, was on the theme "Unity, the Necessary Tool for Development - The role of Ghanaian Muslims". Mr Mahama said government was committed to developing all parts of the country including the Zongo communities.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of education in national development and asked Muslims to invest in the education of their children to enable them to acquire skills and knowledge needed for national development.

Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, in a speech read on his behalf, advised Muslims to eschew tendencies that affected their development and pray to God for guidance and protection. He called on Muslim leaders to bury their differences, operate open door administration and collaborate with the people for unity and development.

Mr Opoku Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, reminded Muslims that Ramadan was not only a period of fasting but also a season for taking stock of activities to reflect their relationship with Allah and resolve to strengthen their trust and commitment to Islamic Religion. He gave the assurance that government would do everything possible to formulate sound economic policies to accelerate Ghana's economic growth. 8 Aug. 09