The Volta Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamidu, has called for  peace, unity, and national development.

Addressing Muslims during prayers, Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamidu highlighted the importance of the Eid Al-Adha festival, urging for peace and unity.

He noted the story of Prophet Abraham, whose obedience to God’s command to sacrifice his son Ismail inspired the festival, emphasising the annual celebration served as a remembrance of this profound act of faith and submission to the will of Allah.

“The purpose of Eid al-Adha is to remind us of the obedience of our grandfather Abraham. He accepted the command of Allah and was ready to sacrifice his son. In the end, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, and this act became a symbol we remember every year,” the chief imam expatiated.

Beyond the religious significance, the chief imam used the occasion to advocate for peace and coexistence among all residents of the Volta region, regardless of faith. He highlighted the inseparable link between peace, unity, and development.

“My main message is to live in peace, first of all. Because without peace, you cannot be united. Without unity, there is no development,” he asserted.

“Islam is not a religion of violence. Even the name Islam means peace. We had Islam before Muslims, just as we had Christianity before Christians. Every religion is peaceful it is the character of the individuals that matters.”

Alhaji Hamidu further called on Muslims to live harmoniously with non-Muslims and to be exemplary citizens committed to the progress of both their communities and the nation at large.

On his part, the Volta Regional Police Commander, ACP Wisdom Akorli, commended the Muslim community for their cooperation and peaceful conduct during the celebrations.

“We thank God that they have complied with our advice. Peace has come to you. Once there is peace, there will be understanding. Then once there is understanding, we can all go and sleep and meditate upon our work,” he said.

He praised the Muslim community for moving away from previous tensions and conflicts, noting that such peaceful behaviour supported the broader efforts of law enforcement and national cohesion.

Some Muslims youth expressed their joy for a new chapter of life and prayed that Allah would continue to grant them a year filled with blessings and prosperity.