President John Evans Atta Mills has pledged his commitment to bridging the gap between the rich and poor in society by improving upon conditions in the Zongo communities. He also promised to give competent and qualified persons in the Zongos the opportunity to serve in his government to bring about the requisite development in the country. The President made the pledge when the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and some Muslim leaders called on him at the Osu Castle in Accra. The delegation was in the Castle to congratulate the President on his election and also pledge their allegiance to him. Prof. Mills thanked the Moslem leaders and all other Moslems for their prayers before, during and after the elections which prepared the grounds for peaceful elections. He acknowledged the role those in the Zongo communities, who are predominantly Moslems and people of Northern extraction, for their selfless dedication to the party and national building. President Mills therefore stated that his government would adequately acknowledge their contribution in diverse ways. Reading a statement on behalf of the National Chief Imam, Alhaji Mamah Gado Mohammed said “your hard-won victory is undoubtedly an expression of the confidence that Ghanaians have in your ability to lead the nation to a better future.” He thanked the Almighty Allah that the December elections were accomplished in peace despite the preceding acrimonious campaign process. “Taking into account the apparent polarization that developed during and after the last elections, it is imperative that the contending factions are encouraged to bury their differences and come together to form a united front for a common approach in finding solutions to the diverse ethnic, religious, political and economic problems facing Ghana. “Indeed, unity and togetherness are urgently needed, given that Ghana’s economy is in distress in a world struggling with unprecedented crises,” it urged. Dr. Sharubutu appealed to President Mills to consider qualified and competent Muslims for public offices, and appealed for a special attention from the government to the Zongo communities when formulating policies. Source: Daily Guide