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General News of Friday, 25 November 2016

Source: Samuel Ablordeppey

Chief of Staff, Natl. Chief Imam, Scholars discuss peace ahead of polls

Some guests at the meeting Some guests at the meeting

Chief of Staff, Natl. Chief Imam, Scholars discuss peace before, during and after December polls

The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, as part of his campaign tour of the Greater Accra region had a meeting with the revered National Chief Imam Dr. Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu and other Muslim scholars to discuss issues of national importance and safeguarding the country's peace and security ahead of the elections.

Though the meeting was held behind closed doors, insiders said the meeting among other things hinged on progress made under President John Dramani Mahama's first term of office and what is expected to happen between 2017-2020.

All along the campaign, from the Upper West, Volta, through Brong Ahafo to Eastern and Ashanti regions, the Chief of Staff had explained to the Zongo communities President Mahama's commitment towards the development and transformation of the Zongo communities.

He threw light on making the study of Arabic as an examinable subject thus the establishment of the Arabic school at Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo region.

The Chief of Staff is in his day 4 of his 6 day tour of the Greater Accra region campaigning for the retention of President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC parliamentary candidates on Dec 7.

The breakfast strategic meeting was led by the National Chief Imam, Sheik. Dr. Nuhu Sharabutu, and other influential Muslim groupings of the various Councils of Zongo Chiefs including Greater Accra, Ashaiman, Ayawasu, Madina, Okaikoi and Ga Eeast.

Also in attendance were opinion Muslim leaders.

These groups were drawn from Muslim Sects such as the Ahmadiya Muslim Mission, Alisuna, Shia, and the Federation of Muslim Council.

According to the insider, Both the National Chief Imam and the Chief of Staff and their respective teams had a fruitful and progressive meeting.

He said, the issue of enduring peace and stability before ,during and after the elections was key on the agenda.

"The Chief of Staff allayed the fears of the respected chiefs and by extension Ghanaians of the ruling government unflinching resolve in ensuring the good people of Ghana go about their normal duties with fear of intimidation.

He said the security agencies are poised at jealously protecting and safeguarding the country's peace and cohesion before and after the general elections," the insider said.

He indicated that, the Chief of Staff urged the National Chief Imam and his entourage to continue restraining the youth from being used as agents of violence and mayhem. He called on the youth to desist from fomenting trouble as the security agencies won't tolerate trouble makes and would deal with anybody who flout the law with fear or favor.

"Let us all try to play our roles to ensuring a successful and peaceful elections and beyond to accelerate socio economic development," Mr. Julius Debrah said.

The Chief of Staff would visit Ada, Sege and other areas and also address a youth summit in Accra.

Mr. Julius Debrah's entourage is made up of Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, madam Faustina Nelson, presidential staffers Mawusi Dzirasa, Emelia Arthur and Kojo Adu Asare, Deputy minister of communications Ato Sarpong.

The rest are the Greater Accra NDC campaign coordinator Sylvester Mensah, regional chairman Joseph Ade Coker, other national and regional executives.