The Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has deplored the recent violent clashes at the Agbogbloshie market, which claimed a number of lives, describing the event as an “unfortunate” incident which must not recur. He said government would not tolerate violent eruptions in any part of the country and, therefore, enlisted the support of religious organizations in an advocacy effort to promote greater cohesion and neighborliness among the nation’s diverse ethnic and political mix. Interacting with the leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Accra on Thursday, the Vice President called for greater understanding, respect and tolerance among Ghanaians, and the cessation of all impulsive acts that could lead to breaches in our quest for peace. The Vice President’s visit to the Ahmadiyya Mission headquarters was to thank them for supporting peace building initiatives in the country, especially during last year’s general elections. His visit was also to enable the government show solidarity with the Mission in respect of its social welfare mandate to offer help to the poor, during the holy month of Ramadan, and to the present 50 bags each of rice and sugar. Mr. Mahama encouraged religious organizations to support government efforts in calming the simmering tension in Agbogbloshie and other areas of the country that have witnessed some skirmishes, and to ensure that these reprehensible acts are not repeated. He was particularly unhappy that the clashes came at the heels of the fasting period, noting that, its timing made it more incumbent for Muslim leaders to use their influence to advocate actions that would bring about spiritual purity and harmony among their followers. The Vice President expressed unhappiness about the tendency of some supporters of the National Democratic Congress to incite the people against the Mills’ administration. “Allow government to settle down, no doubt, after four years, Ghanaians will give him another term of office based on his performance”, he said. Mr. Mahama said the fact that government has restricted portfolios to appoint people resulting in some not getting positions they sought for does not mean they should incite others against the government even when there is nothing to criticize. The Ameer and Missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Mission, Maulvi Wahab Adams, said his organization would continue to play a productive role in bringing about fairness, progress and prosperity in the country as it had always done. He hailed the unity between the Ahmadis and other Muslims, including the common positions over some hitherto contentious issues such as settling on the same time frame for the Ramadan observation, noting that, such actions have helped in promoting greater unity and harmony in the country. Source: GNA