Accra, Ghana - Ghana’s President John Evans Atta Mills on Wednesday urged his countrymen to protect the peace the West African nation is enjoying as it heads for presidential and parliamentary elections next year.

Mills said his government would ensure a free, fair and transparent vote and urged the citizens to refrain from acts or pronouncements that could disturb the peace of the country.

'Let’s cherish the peace and stability that we enjoy,” the President said in an address to Muslims during prayers to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr.

He said despite the different religions and regions in Ghana, the people had only one motherland.

The president appealed to the National Hajj Committee to work hard to avoid problems associated with the performance of the Hajj.

The National Chief Imam, Sheik Oman Nuhu Sharabutu, also stressed peace as a pre-requisite for national development.

'As a people, one of the greatest tributes of our Holy Prophet is to strive to live in peace with one another,' Sharabutu said.

“We individually and collectively must nurture, promote and sustain an atmosphere of peace and unity among ourselves,” the Chief Imam added.

Pana 01/09/2011