Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has stressed that Ghana is a secular State, hence the need for all Ghanaians to respect the status quo.Alhaji Aliu made the admonition at a gathering in the Eastern regional capital, to mark the 15th anniversary of the ruling New Patriotic Party.Daasebre Professor Emeritus Oti Boateng, Omanhene, of Juaben, said it was wrong for anyone to claim that his or her religion was better than the other. He therefore appealed to Ghanaians to strive for peace and unity to facilitate national development. Vice President Mahama, who was on a day's visit to the Region, had earlier at the annual Ekaade festival of the chiefs and people of Kade in the Kwaebibrem District, observed that no nation could develop in a state of instability, insecurity and disunity. He stressed that, "The need for all of us to unite and develop in an atmosphere of security and trust cannot therefore be over emphasized.” Ekaade is in commemoration of the exploits of the ancestors of the people, leading to the settlement at Kade between 1730 and 1750. Vice President Mahama said the nation had made progress as a result of unity of purpose in spite of diversity, adding, “this is an invaluable asset we must all learn to cherish.” He commended the people for exhibiting communal spirit resulting in the construction of hostels for the local secondary and technical schools. Alhaji Aliu, however, noted that the enthusiasm with which local communities addressed challenges confronting them was waning due to the lack of leadership. He asked parents to encourage their children to develop interest and careers in information, communication and technology. "This is the only way to bring them into the main stream of activities taking place globally." He lauded the celebration of the festival, and said because of the impact of Western cultures on our youth; “it is important that such occasions are used to revisit the birth of our culture."Source: GNA