The Eastern Regional Minister, Ambassador Victor Smith has called on Ghanaians to endeavor to renew the spirit of patriotism and oneness, especially as we draw nearer to another crucial presidential and parliamentary election.

Ambassador Smith said the world’s political lenses will focus on Ghana in the coming months to see if Ghanaians can once again defend their enviable democracy.

The Minister further added that the death of President Mills and the smooth transition of power to President Mahama have caused some advanced countries to laud our democracy, hence the need for all to protect and ensure its sustainability.

Speaking to a mammoth crowd of Muslims at the Koforidua Central Mosque, Mr. Smith noted that “there is the need for the renewal of the spirit of patriotism, love for country and rededication of ourselves to nation building”.

The Regional Minister also took the opportunity to thank Ghanaians for their support to Government and the national Democratic Congress (NDC) during the burial and funeral rites of the late president, and further disclosed that President Mahama will be coming to the Koforidua Jackson Park on Wednesday as part of his thank you tour of the country.

He encouraged Ghanaians especially the youth to continue in the spirit of love, patriotism and togetherness as exhibited during the funeral and burial of President John Evans Atta Mills, to ensure peaceful and violent free elections in December.

The Chief Imam of Koforidua, Alhaji Yusif Hamdani Sulemana in his speech also admonished all Muslims to emulate the humble and peaceful nature of the late President as their way of eulogizing the memory of the late President.

The weather was not favorable as there were downpours in Koforidua and its surroundings, however, majority of the people stood in the rain throughout the ceremony to listen to all the speakers.

While some thought the rain has marred this year’s Eid Ul Fitr festival, others thought it was a shower of blessing to all Muslims after embarking of such an important spiritual exercise.