Politics is not do and die matter- Veep

Accra, Oct. 24, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, on Friday observed that the quest for political power must not be a matter of life and death, but a decision that should respect the will of the people. He therefore asked the various political parties and other stakeholders in the December 7 polls, to deepen the time-tested democratic credentials of the country by conducting well themselves peacefully during, before and after voting.

Alhaji Mahama made the observation when he interacted with the Governor of Kano State in Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau at the Osu Castle.

Alhaji Shekarau is leading a 22-member delegation from the predominant Muslim state, comprising commissioners, members of the State House Assembly, Local Government representatives, and advisors to the Governor and lecturers from Ahmadou Bello University, to attend a two-day International Conference on Islamic Sharia. It is being organised by the Nigeria-based Al Furqan Foundation. He expressed the hope that Ghana would experience free, fair and transparent elections, stressing: "We are moving forward." Alhaji Mahama called for co-existence among the various religions to promote the progress of society.

He asked for open borders in the West African sub-region to facilitate the flow of trade and commerce and the prosperity of the people.

Alhaji Mahama asked participants at the conference to highlight the negative practices in society, which bother on religion such as early marriage of girls, which tend to undermine their education. The conference should also discuss crucial issues like marriage and divorce and come out with far reaching measures. Alhaji Shekarau called for frequent interaction between members of different faiths in order to promote understanding and tolerance. He expressed optimism that Ghana's General Election would be peaceful and successful. "I hope Ghana will grow from strength to strength."