Sekondi, April 3, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday called on Muslim leaders to use religion to seek knowledge, righteousness and unity.

He said religion could serve as a catalyst for development and growth adherents devoted adequate time in educating people on their rights and responsibilities in the society. Vice President Mahama made the call during the final funeral rites of Alhaji Ja'afar Umar, the late Western Regional Chief Imam and the induction into office of Sheikh Ustaz Ali Hassan Ali as the new Regional Chief Imam and Alhaji Sani Abdulai as the Deputy Regional Chief Imam in Sekondi.

The programme attracted Muslims and non-Muslims from all over the country including Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam and government officials.

Vice President Mahama said it was dangerous for people to be divided on religious and chieftaincy lines since it had the potential of throwing the country into chaos.

He, therefore, called for peace and harmony among Muslims and Christians in order to avoid religious conflicts that had over the years affected other countries.

The Vice President called on Muslims to send their girls to school to bridge the yawning gap between them and their boys counterpart in the pursuit of education.

Alhaji Awaisu Bio, National Executive Secretary of the Office of the National Chief Imam in a tribute described the late Regional Chief Imam as an ardent and devoted servant of God who tirelessly helped the progress of Islam in the country. "His death is a big lost not only to his region but to the entire Muslim community in Ghana and we pray that the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest in Jannah", he said.