Religious Differences Must Not Divide Us – President Mahama
Ghana must continue to protect religious diversity and ensure that people of different faiths live together in peace, with equal respect and fairness, President John Dramani Mahama has said.
He said the country’s religious diversity was a valuable national asset that required continuous care and protection, urging Ghanaians to preserve the relationships that allowed people of different religious backgrounds to live, work and support one another.
“My responsibility as President demands fairness, respect and equal concern for all,” President Mahama stated.
Addressing the opening of the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship at the Accra International Conference Centre, the President said his constitutional responsibility was to serve every Ghanaian, irrespective of religious affiliation.
He explained that his responsibility extended to Christians of every denomination, Muslims, adherents of traditional religion and citizens who professed no faith.
He said his decisions as President must reflect fairness towards all these groups, even when some religious leaders disagreed with particular decisions.
“Ghana’s religious diversity is our most precious possession, and we must continue to nurture the relationships that enable neighbours of different faiths to live, work and care for one another,” he said.
President Mahama also addressed concerns from some Christian leaders who had questioned his faith because he insisted on taking decisions that were fair to people from different religious backgrounds.
He maintained that public leadership required equal concern for citizens rather than decisions based solely on the beliefs of one religious group.
The President drew on his personal experience of growing up in a multi-faith family, explaining that religious differences had not weakened the bonds among his relatives.
“I come from a multi-faith family and have siblings who are Muslim. Nevertheless, our different religions do not affect the love and affection that we share as people of the same bloodline,” he said.
He urged religious leaders to continue promoting peace, responsible citizenship and mutual respect, while encouraging their congregations to build relationships across religious boundaries.
President Mahama also called on the Church to maintain its moral independence and speak truthfully about injustice and suffering.
He said faith should encourage people to treat others fairly and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
He expressed confidence that Ghana could continue to draw strength from its religious diversity if citizens remained committed to peaceful coexistence and recognised the dignity of people whose beliefs differed from theirs.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
