Accra, 27 Nov, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, have congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, which falls on Friday. They also praised Muslims for the successful conclusion of the Hajj and called on the pilgrims to ensure that their renewed faith continued to impact positively on society.

A statement from the office of the former President, issued in Accra on Friday, indicated that the former President and his wife said the festival represented a significant Islamic ideal that should be appreciated and respected by everyone.

It said: "As we pray and offer gifts to our friends and neighbours let us remember the poor and destitute. Let us put a smile on their faces today and pray for better days for them. For those of us who can afford to adopt some of these unfortunate ones let us like Prophet Ibrahim, be ready to sacrifice by offering hope and succour to them".

The statement said former President Rawlings and former first Lady Konadu called on Muslims to pray for goodness and prosperity for Ghana, called on moderation during the celebration and asked the youth to respect the sanctity of the occasion and celebrate it solemnly.

It said on the organisation of this year's Hajj, former President Rawlings and Nana Konadu commended the government and the Hajj Council for ensuring that the process was devoid of the complications associated with it in the recent past.

The statement indicated that former President Rawlings and Nana Konadu said: "We were impressed with the construction of the Hajj Village at the Elwak Stadium. We hope that the quality of organisation will not be allowed to deteriorate in subsequent years. Let us build on this year's success and make other years' even better",