Bolgatanga, May 27, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has asked religious leaders in Upper East Region to preach peace, unity and love. He said they should inculcate good moral values in the youth to become responsible adults who would live by the virtues of kindness, humility and love for one another.

President Mills made the call at a meeting with Muslim and Christian Leaders during his two-day working visit to the Region in Bolgatanga.

He noted that good moral virtues and respect for God's laws were essential to building a strong nation and asked the youth to work hard and not think only about making money through any means but be guided by their faith in God, honesty and respect for others. President Mills said Government was well focused to carry out all its plans to develop and make the country better and would not be daunted by negative criticisms.

"We are facing challenges but that cannot deter us from doing what is best for the nation. We have a competent team and with time and your support both physical and spiritual, Ghana would move in the right direction," President Mills said.

"Those in Government need prayers, we cannot do anything without God's involvement and I urge you all to continue to pray for us as you did before and during Election 2008," he added. Reverend Lazarus Akabule, a representative of Local Council of Churches pledged the support of Christians with prayers and urged Government to work as a team and not to be detracted by malicious criticism but be focused on their development agenda.

He said they were praying especially for Bawku because the conflict had affected development in the area.

Mallam Tahiru Sayid, Deputy Upper East Regional Imam said for the past 10 years, Islamic teachers had not been employed and appealed to Government to employ more teachers for the children to benefit from Islamic teachings.