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Hundreds of Muslims in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital, on Saturday gathered at the Jubilee Park to observe a mass open air prayer to mark Eid-ul-Adha, the Muslim festival of sacrifice. It is an important festival in the lives of all Muslims, as it reminds them of how Prophet Ibrahim was loyal to Allah and committed himself to obey Him at all times, even to the extent of agreeing to sacrifice his only son, whom he had in his old age. This year�s open air prayers in Bolgatanga drew key political figures like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) standard bearer for elections 2008 and 2012, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as the Upper East Regional Chairman of the party, Adams Mahama. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Daniel Syme, represented the Regional Coordinating Council. Ustaz Yakubu, who delivered the sermon on behalf of the Regional Chief Imam, reminded Muslims of Prophet Ibrahim�s loyalty to Allah and the blessings he received from Him. He called on Muslims to follow the directives of Allah in order to bring blessings upon themselves and their communities. �When we are pure in heart and truthful to our neighbours and to Allah, our prayers will be received by Allah and answered. Let us love and be honest to ourselves, just as we will love and be honest to Allah. This is what Allah requires of us as Muslims.� Ustaz Yakubu advised. The deputy regional minister, Daniel Syme, called on Muslims to pray for the country�s development and live in peace with their neighbours at all times. He assured that Government was working hard to reduce the hardship Ghanaians are going through and called for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the Government�s �Better Ghana� agenda was met.