Muslims pray for nation, Tsumani victims

Accra, Dec. 31, GNA - Muslims on Friday offered prayers for the nation's progress in the coming year and also prayed for the victims of the tsumani disaster that has claimed over 125,000 lives in a number countries in Asia.

Vice President Aliu Mahama, with some Ministers of State, was among the large number of Muslims, who were led in prayers by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osumanu Nuhu Sharabutu at the Central Mosque, Abossey Okai, Accra.

Kenya and Somalia were among countries bordering the Indian Ocean that was hit by tsunamis that raced across the Ocean after being triggered by Sunday's earthquake, which registered 9.0 on the Richter scale, off Indonesia.

More than 125,000 are confirmed dead. Indonesia, Thailand, India and others suffered heavy losses.

The Muslims, who dedicated today's prayers to asking Allah's blessings on Ghana as it enters 2005, prayed for the Leadership of the nation.

They also prayed for the cessation of the numerous conflicts across the globe, particularly in Africa.

Sheikh Sharabutu in a sermon urged Ghanaians to bury the acrimony that characterised the electioneering campaigns and to forge ahead for national peace and development.

"Now that the elections are over, I call on the good citizens of our beloved nation, irrespective of political inclinations and philosophies to put all hands on deck as a sign of unity to serve and help develop the country."

Vice President Mahama urged Ghanaians to consider the electoral victory as belonging to all and not the New Patriotic Party alone. He thanked Ghanaians for ensuring that the elections were peaceful and successful and asked for their continuous prayers to advance the nation.

Sheikh I.C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Minister of State for Education, Youth and Sports; Hajia Alima Mahama, a Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and President's Special Initiatives and Alhaji Boniface Abubakari Saddique, Deputy Minister of Tourism and the Modernisation of the Capital City, accompanied Vice President Mahama.