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The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu was given a rousing welcome at Sukura Zongo in Accra last night during the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, known in Islamic circles as the Maulid.

The Vice President was the Special Guest of Honour for the Maulid, and the announcement of his imminent arrival by the master of ceremony set the place agog.

Shortly after the announcement, the Vice President's entourage arrived and what followed was a stunning reception from the crowd.

The overwhelming crowd cheered the Vice President's entourage on, and as Dr. Bawumia himself stepped out of his vehicle, many of the enthusiastic crowd even attempted to get closer and shake hands with him.

Dr. Bawumia reciprocated the warm gesture of the congregation by going round to wave and exchange pleasantries with his fellow Muslims and dignitaries who had gathered to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Without doubt, the popularity of Dr. Bawumia has grown considerably in the Zongos, and such warm and rousing receptions for him at events have become familiar.

During his address, the Vice President reminded the congregation of the significance of the occasion, and urged them to emulate the remarkable life of Prophet Muhammad in their daily lives.

Dr. Bawumia also advised all, especially the youth, to respect divergent political views and not resort to violence, as the nation prepares for election in December.

On development, the Vice President reiterated President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to develop the Zongos through the Ministry of Inner Cities and Zongo Development Fund, announcing that about 226 projects in various Zongos across the country have either been completed or ongoing.

Dr. Bawumia also stated that in line with President Akufo-Addo's vision of developing human capital in the Zongos, the government has, through the Ministry of Inner Cities and Zongo Development and the Zongo Development Fund, granted scholarship to 40 students from Zongo and deprived communities to study medicine in Cuba.

The Vice President revealed that the first batch of the 40 students has arrived safely in Cuba and the second batch is set to leave this week.

The Maulid in Sukura brought together Muslim leaders and scholars across the country, Zongo Chiefs and a large number of Muslims from various Zongo communities.