Kumasi, Oct. 13, GNA - Mr. Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister, on Saturday appealed to Muslims to let spiritual piety and virtue to remain in their lives.

He said this would enable them to benefit from the objectives they set themselves out to do in life after 30 days of fasting. Mr. Owusu-Ansah was addressing thousands of Muslims who gathered at the Central Mosque at Akwatia-line in Kumasi to offer prayers and thanksgiving to God to mark Eid-Ul-Fitr.

He urged all Muslims to follow the tenets of the region and eschew negative practices that could bring the religion into disrepute. The Regional Minister appealed to kingmakers in the Frafra and the Talensi chieftaincy dispute in Kumasi to adopt peaceful means to install a new chief for continued peace and unity in the community. He also called on Muslim leaders to educate their people on the National Identification Exercise so that they cooperate and support it to ensure its success when it comes into operation. Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Chief Imam who led the prayers, said the occasion was a great day for those who love God.

He said it was a great day for those who fear God, ensure peace, unity and development in their communities and in the country and not for those who are selfish, wicked and promote violence. He prayed for the leaders of the nation for God to them power and wisdom to lead the nation. He also prayed for the well being of all Muslims and asked that God gave them the spirit of humility, patience and love for one another.

Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Member of Parliament for Asawasi, expressed the hope that God would show his mercy on Muslims and bless them and the nation.

He prayed that as the nation prepares for elections next year, God would shower his blessings on Ghanaians to ensure a peaceful election where good leaders would be elected to lead the nation.