The chiefs and people of Menji in the Tain District of the Bono Region have enstooled Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as Nkabomhene (Unity Chief) in recognition of his crusade for unity and peaceful co-existence of persons with different religious persuasions.

The leadership of the Muslim Community also conferred on him a special award for his on-going efforts to champion the welfare of the poor and the underprivileged in society.

A colourful mini-durbar was organised by the chiefs and Muslim Community at Nsawkaw, near Menji, to confer the title on him on Monday.

The ceremony was held after the Vice President joined Muslim faithful to perform the Zuhr prayers at Menji as part of his nationwide Ramadan tour. Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, the Gyaasehene of Menji, Alhaji Amadu Bamba, said Dr Bawumia’s quest to ensure peace and unity between Ghanaians with different religious beliefs reflected his peaceful nature.

The revolution that has occurred in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca since Alhaji Dr Bawumia became Vice President is remarkable, Alhaji Bamba stated, adding “although I have been to Mecca before, I want to prepare and go again because of the good things I’m hearing.

"Those who have gone since you came into office say that unlike the past, now they don’t hustle to get food but are now fed very well.

“In appreciation of his quest for peace, unity and national cohesion, and the great work he is doing for the nation as Vice President, the chiefs of Menji and Tain are enstooling you, with the stool name of Nkabomhene” Alhaji Bamba declared.

The Muslim Ummah also presented a special award to the Vice President for his tremendous contribution to the development of the Muslim Community in Tain and the nation at large.

A citation accompanying the award read in part: “An Inspiration to the Musilm Ummah - Until your Excellency emerged onto the Ghanaian political landscape to the coveted position of the Vice President, the hope of the Muslim Ummah had dimmed and was being toyed within a game of political ping-pong

“…The Zongos and the downtrodden shall forever identify with your Excellency and the NPP for giving ample meaning to social intervention such as the Free SHS, as your commitment to the imperatives of the nation’s constitution far departing from any political gimmick.

“The people of Menji in the Bono Region and indeed all the Muslim Ummah pray fervently for your Excellency and your government success in the commitment to uplift our deprived communities to a shared and equitable national development,"he added.

Vice President Bawumia expressed his appreciation to the chiefs and people, and pledged to work even harder to help fulfill President Akufo-Addo’s vision for the nation.