"Govt Won't Sacrifice Principles for Political Expediency" - Awuni.

Zokko (U/E) Feb., 23 GNA - A deputy Minister of Information, Mr. Andrews Awuni on Sunday said the Kufuor administrations' deep commitment to repair the nation's economy would not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency

He however, said while the government is taking bold and courageous decisions to reverse the unfavourable economic trends of the past, it also requires the support of all sections of society to contribute to the revitalization process.

Mr. Awuni was addressing the muslim community at Zokko in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region at a reception organised to welcome two members of the community, who went to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform this year's "Hajj" (pilgrimage).

Alhaji Salifu Ayamdoo Apozura, the muslim spiritual leader (Imam) of the area, and Hajia Marie Issaka, resident midwife of the Zokko clinic were assisted by Mr. Awuni to undertake the Hajj as government nominees. The deputy Information Miniter said though is an election year, the government's programme to create the enabling supportive environment for sustained economic growth is on course.

Mr. Awuni said it is for this reason that the people should renew the mandate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for it to continue with the sound economic policies that could get the country out of the current economic difficulties.

He used the occasion to announce his candidature to contest the Bongo parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NPP, appealing to the people to vote for him to carry out his vision for the development of the area.

The deputy Minister also reminded the people that the voters' registration exercise would start on March 16 to the 29, saying that they must turn out massively to ensure the success of the exercise aimed at updating the voting list.

A former NPP constituency chairman for Bongo, Mr. Francis Asampana on his part said the people must be grateful to the government because this is the first time that muslims in the area have been recognised and properly rewarded to benefit from the hajj sponsorship package. He therefore, told the people to reciprocate the NPP government's goodwill by voting massively for its presidential and parliamentary candidates during the forthcoming general elections.

The deputy Upper East Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Mohamudu Tahiru on behalf of the muslim community thanked the government for recognising the contribution of muslims to socio-economic development and pledged that they would continue to cooperate with all peace-loving individuals and groups to ensure peace at all times.

He urged the Bongo District Assembly to support the muslim community to establish more English/Arabic schools in the area.

Hajia Marie on behalf of her colleague thanked the government and Mr. Awuni in particular, for making it possible for them to perform the Hajj, which she described as a "very important religious obligation in Islam", pledging that they would bring their new status to bear on the community.