Accra, Nov. 13, GNA - Mr George Issac Amoo, the Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), on Sunday called for respect for those living in Zongo communities. "It is time to let people respect those living in the Zongo communities and the Islamic religion as modest and peaceful," he said when he called on the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osumanu Nuhu Sharabutu and the Council of Moslem Chiefs and the Al-Tijani Group to round-off his tour of the Greater Accra Region.

Mr Amoo advised Muslim youth not to allow themselves to be used by individuals, groups or political parties for conflicts to the detriment of the nation.

"The cost of repair to damage of properties and lives is much more than prevention," he said.

Mr Amoo asked Moslem youth to disassociate themselves from hooliganisms, vandalism and social unrest, saying when conflicts arose the poor and the vulnerable such as children and women suffered most. He urged those living in Zongo communities to keep their surroundings clean to avoid the outbreak of epidemics and asked them to help NADMO achieve its new focus of disaster prevention. The Chief Imam pledged unflinching support for NADMO and promised to weed out all people who hid behind the Islamic religion to cause havoc in society.

The Chief Imam said it was sad to hear that riots were caused by Moslems and advised his people to refrain from social vices. The Imam of the Al-Tijani Group of Accra New Town, Alhaji Adam Nimo said most of the sufferings of mankind were caused by human beings themselves and urged Moslems to keep their environment clean. The tour was also to test the preparedness and response of the population to disaster.