Veep prays for effective Hajj

Kumasi, July 25, Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has called on Muslims to resolve all conflicts related to the annual Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca), to ensure the effective organisation of the sacred activity. "We need to do so to help us overcome the challenges and distrust that seems to contribute to the perennial problems of Hajj organisation," he said.

Vice President Mahama, who was speaking at Aboabo in Kumasi, during the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, (Maulid), Founder of Islam, expressed dissatisfaction about the impasse blocking the effective organisation of the Hajj.

"I wish to use the importance of the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet to urge you all to exhibit the virtues of patience, sacrifice, servant leadership and tolerance.

"Bring your thoughts to bear on how to ensure an effective and efficient institutional process towards the organisation of the Hajj," he said.

Vice President Mahama asked the leadership of the Muslim community to put all their energies to the wheel and rise above their differences in the true spirit of unity and peace.

Ustaz Ahmed Seidu of the Council of Ulaman and Imams of the Ashanti Region pledged their unflinching support to the Vice President in his desire to succeed President John Agyekum Kufuor, in the 2008 General Election.

" Please trust us in the name of Allah. May Allah grant you more success and shower his blessing on you always," he said. The Council of local Muslim chiefs also prayed for the Vice President to win the flagbearership of the ruling New Patriotic Party, to continue to play the role of a unifier among the country's religious organisations.