By Edmund Mingle, Black Star Square
The Vice-President, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, has called for intense vigilance to prevent the outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease in Ghana, saying the nation cannot afford to lose any life to the disease.
He said though health experts and institutions are on high alert and have instituted measures to prevent and contain any outbreak, the citizenry also need to be vigilant and adopt preventive measures against the disease.
The Vice President made the call when he joined hundreds of Muslims at the Black Star Square in Accra yesterday, for national prayers to celebrate the Eid-ul Fitr.
“We need to protect ourselves from the Ebola virus which has taken the lives of hundreds of people in some ECOWAS countries.
“We have a duty to learn about the virus and change some of our social and dietary habits, improve sanitation and hygienic conditions in order to reduce the chances of contracting the disease,” he enjoined all.
In the area of security, Vice President Amissah-Arthur urged the nation to pray for other countries, particularly Nigeria, where bomb attacks by the militant group Boko Haram, continue to claim lives of innocent citizens, while about 200 school girls adducted three months ago remain in the group’s captivity.
“Our youth must not allow themselves to be influenced by any individual or group, to disrupt the peace and stability of our country,” he told the gathering.
The Vice President congratulated the Islamic community for the celebration of the festival which marked the end of the Ramadan (fasting period), and assured them that the government is working to address all challenges facing Ghanaians.
He particularly lauded the high level of religious tolerance and co-operation in the country, and indicated that such peaceful co-existence among the faiths was vital in guaranteeing a peaceful environment, for national development.
He urged Muslims to continue to pray for the nation in the face of the current economic challenges, expressing optimism that the situation would soon improve, as good results from the difficult economic policies to address the challenges were beginning to emerge.
Quoting a section of the Quran which says that “Indeed, after difficulty, there is ease,” the Vice President said, “the sacrifices, patience and prayers of Ghanaians would produce results.”
Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam who led the prayers, thanked Allah for His blessings for the nation and prayed for divine intervention, to help deal with the economic challenges facing the country.
He also prayed for wisdom for the nation’s leaders, and interceded on behalf of the various arms of government, institutions, political parties and all Ghanaians.
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