The Convention People's Party (CPP) sends its warmest felicitations to all Muslims in Ghana and beyond Ghana as they commence Ramadan.

The CPP believes in the principles of equality for all and a fair distribution of opportunity regardless of faith, religious persuasion, ethnicity or gender. We believe in an open and diverse society in which there are no discriminatory practices against any Ghanaian and thus we would appeal to the nation to join Muslim brothers and sisters in markingthis year's Ramadan as a period of sober reflection of what the people of Ghana need to do as one people with a common destiny.

The CPP notes that as a country we need a collective effort to overcome the state of despondency arising out of the harsh economic conditions.

This is thus the moment for all to exhibit some of the highest virtues that mankind can attain before Allah – humility, obedience, selflessness and sacrifice.

We ask all Ghanaians to take a little time to reflect on how we can exercise these virtues and in so doing become instruments of Allah's will.

It is important that we should live and work with Muslim neighbours in a spirit of tolerance and respect for the religion.

The party notes further that in the midst of helplessness and hopelessness, continual faith in Allah forms the bedrock for renewal of hope in the future and salvation of mankind.

We call on Ghanaian Muslims to rededicate themselves fully to the tenets of Islam, taking into account that the religion is full of compassion.

The CPP wishes to acknowledge the deep historical links between our party and Muslim communities, recalling that the founder of our tradition Dr Kwame Nkrumah enjoyed great collaboration with the elders and members of the Muslim community throughout his time in office.

The close relationship Dr Nkrumah had with the Muslim community reflected his genuine appreciation and recognition of the contribution made by Islam and the followers of Islam in the sub-region not only through trade but also importantly in the recording of history.

It is our fervent hope and belief that this year's fasting would serve as a catalyst for the attainment of the collective objective for a violence-free general election.

Dr Abu Sakara – Presidential Candidate of the CPP, and Hon Samia Yaba Nkrumah- Chairman and Leader of the CPP on behalf of the membership of the CPP wishes the entire Muslim community the very best and pray for Allah's continued blessing on the special bond that has existed between the CPP and Muslims since the days of Osagyefo.

* Nii Armah Akomfrah*

* **Director of Communication*

*www.conventionpeoplesparty.org* **