Sunyani (B/A), Feb. 10, GNA - Alhaji Umar Abdul Kadr, Brong-Ahafo Regional Chief Imam, has advised the youth not to seek political favours but rather, the nation's development, to advance national development. He urged the youth to avoid discriminatory tendencies and help to maintain peace in the communities during the December elections. Alhaji Umar who had been praying for peace in conflict prone-areas in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani urged the youth not to seek what he termed "insignificant favours from any political party to indulge in destructive activities."

He noted that Ghana unlike other countries in West Africa was a peaceful nation and nothing should be done to mar such peace warning the youth to desist from mass voting and presenting fake identity cards during elections.

"Such behaviours will make the work of the Electoral Commission very difficult", Alhaji Umar said and called on politicians to be mindful of their utterances to ensure fair and violent-free campaigns towards the elections and after.

The Regional Chief Imam advised the media to provide true and credible information on conflict situations and to help enlighten the society on conflicts and their destructive effects. He stressed that such education by the media would create awareness about conflicts among the public, especially the youth to help curb conflict issues.

Alhaji Umar also called on Moslems, Christians and other spiritual leaders to pray for continued peace in the country and appealed to security officials and the EC to help conduct free and fair elections this year.