Former President Jerry John Rawlings has urged Ghanaians to use the Eid ul Adha celebrations to pray for peace, love, and progress for the country.

In a statement, the ex-President and his, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, urged Muslims in Ghana to reflect on how much they are willing to commit to what is good, holy and noble.

"Our prayers and sacrifices to Allah as we mark the day should be full of a common desire to see to the good of our families, communities and especially the deprived," the statement said.

"Let us remember to pray for peace, love, and progress in our country and commit ourselves to exorcise negative tendencies that do not benefit us or our society".

Eid ul-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son.

Muslims around the world observe this event. In Ghana, it is a public holiday.

Read the entire statement from the former President and his wife below.

EID MUBARAK TO OUR MUSLIM BROTHERS

On the occasion of Eid ul Adha, Nana and I join Muslims to mark the festival of sacrifice.

Eid ul Adha celebrates Ibrahim’s will to submit to God through the ultimate sacrifice – his son. It is a period for us to reflect on how much we are willing to commit to what is good, holy and noble.

Our prayers and sacrifices to Allah as we mark the day should be full of a common desire to see to the good of our families, communities and especially the deprived. Let us remember to pray for peace, love, and progress in our country and commit ourselves to exorcising negative tendencies that do not benefit us or our society.

Eid Mubarak! Happy Eid to all!