CHIEF IMAM CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT (PAGE 34, JAN 20)

The National Chief Imam and the Muslim community in Ghana have congratulated President John Evans Atta Mills on his successful election and inauguration as the Third President of the Fourth Republic.
“The Chief Imam believes that his hard-won victory is an expression of the confidence Ghanaians have in his ability to lead the nation through the path of growth and economic development for a better future,” he said.
A statement from the Chief Imam’s Office said Ghanaians and Muslims in general were gratified that despite the confrontational and acrimonious nature of the electioneering, “Allah in his infinite wisdom and mercy helped avert the catastrophic events that followed similar elections in the neighbouring African countries”.
The statement also commended religious leaders, civil society organisations and foreign observers for constantly reminding Ghanaians of their civic obligation to ensure orderly elections.
It urged religious leaders to join hands, pray for the nation, the new political administration and peaceful coexistence of all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political and ethnic leanings.
The statement called on all Muslims in the country to offer special prayers on January 16, 2009 for the new administration and the entire nation.
In a related development the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council has congratulated President John Evans Attah-Mills, his Vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, as well as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their success in the recent national elections.
A congratulatory message signed by the Omanhene, Osagyefo Kwamina Enimil V1, said members of the council would continue to pray to God to grant them the needed wisdom, courage and the sense of justice to steer the affairs of the country.
“It is also our hope that your government will endeavour to fulfil all the achievable promises to make Ghana a better country....While assuring you of our co-operation and support, we do believe that your tenure of office would see greater changes in the institution of chieftaincy”.
The council also congratulated the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his performance during the elections.
“It is our wish to sincerely thank all Ghanaians for showing political maturity, and making good use of their franchise,” it said.
Relatedly, the Greater Accra Markets Association has also commended President Atta Mills and his Vice, Mr Mahama, for their election and subsequent successful swearing-in as the fourth President and Vice in the Fourth Republic.
It said it was the pride and honour of all Ghanaians, especially traders in Greater Accra that the country had been able to go through another successful election and smooth change of government without a hitch.
A statement signed by Madam Mercy A. Needjan, the Secretary of the association, said it was ready to assist the Mills Administration.