He said very often when national programmes were rolled out, some members of those communities sat aloof and showed no interest.

"That is why I urge my compatriots to take part in national programmes, particularly the national identification exercise which is currently ongoing," he added.

Alhaji Muntaka made the call at the final funeral rites and 40th day prayers of Alhaji Ahmadu Ali Baaba, the father of Alhaji Baba Jamal, a former Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development under ex-President John Mahama.

The event which was attended by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu, attracted people from all walks of life, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and District Chief Executives (DCEs).

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegation was led by the National Women's Organiser, Madam Kate Gyamfuah, and they donated an amount of GH¢3,000.

Importance of national ID cards

According to Alhaji Muntaka, a time was coming when one could not transact any meaningful business without a national identification card, adding that "those of you who always sit on the fence should change for the better”.

He urged Muslim parents to give their children formal education by sending them to school.

He further advised them to be united since in unity lies strength.

For her part, Madam Gyamfuah said despite "our political differences we are all one people. Politics is not about fomenting trouble but sharing of ideas. Therefore we must all unite as we are one people with a common destiny".

A member of the national executive committee of the Council of Fulani Chiefs Sudubawa Association, Chief Mohammed Ibrahim, regretted that Fulanis had been stereotyped and given bad names in the country.

He, therefore, called for attitudinal change towards the Fulanis since they were hardworking people.