A member of the Council of State and a business mogul, Alhaji Asoma Banda, has said the Saudi Mission in Ghana should be blamed for the inability of some Ghanaians to make this year's pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca. According to him, the Saudi Mission created the impression that the 500 Muslims would definitely be sent to Mecca only to turn round to sabotage the Hajj Committee. Alhaji Banda, who was speaking in an interview with The Enquirer after observing the Eid UI Adha prayers on Tuesday, said that it was important to make things clear so that the politicization of what happened would be put to a rest. "We should not blame the Hajj Committee but rather learn some lessons out of the problem to forestall its re-occurrence next year," he said. He told The Enquirer that shifting the blame quickly to someone else and trying to make political gains out it was not the best for the country. He said the committee and for that matter the government did everything possible but the Saudi Mission simply spoiled the show. Alhaji Banda said that those who missed the boat should behave like true Muslims and accept the fact that they were not destined to embark on the pilgrimage this year. According to him, those who could not make the trip through no fault of theirs should rather pray towards next year's trip. "Our religion teaches us to forgive and forget and must therefore let what happened to be a thing of the past and look ahead to the future," he added. The Council of State member, touching on education among Muslims, said that it was incumbent on all Muslims to give themselves quality education. "Education does not necessarily mean going to the classroom but the self discipline and sound moral activities will help in building brighter future among ourselves," he said. Alhaji Banda said that with sound self-education, Muslims could play a leading role in the development of the nation. "Discipline and commitment towards the wellbeing of society should be our prime focus to help in the transformation and development of Ghana," he said. The business magnate, who is noted for his blunt assessment of situations, called on all Muslims to lead holy lives in the last 10 days of the month. "We should strive hard to go according to the teachings of our religion and observe the last 10 days of month with all the needed discipline," he said. Source: The Enquirer/Ghana