The government of Ghana has reiterated its unwavering commitment to religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence, describing religious harmony as a cornerstone of national stability and sustainable development.
The assurance was delivered by Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, who conveyed the collective position of the Presidency at two major Islamic gatherings during the week.
Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah served as Special Guest of Honour at the 58th Annual Celebration of the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), organised by the Tijjaniya Muslim Movement of Ghana.
The event drew dignitaries including the National Chief Imam, Sheikh (Dr.) Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the Emir of Kano, Sheikh Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Islamic scholars, clerics, and community leaders from across the country.
Delivering the key note address, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah extended warm greetings to the Muslim community and commended the Tijjaniya Movement for decades of contribution to peace-building, moral guidance, and national development.
“The President holds the Muslim community in the highest esteem and recognises the invaluable role Islamic institutions continue to play in promoting peace, discipline, and social cohesion,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, the envoy highlighted the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as a timeless model of compassion, justice, humility and service to humanity.
“Faith, as exemplified by the Prophet, must always be expressed through love for one’s neighbour, care for the vulnerable and respect for human dignity,” he noted.
He emphasised that Ghana’s peaceful coexistence is rooted in humanity’s shared origin and spiritual heritage, particularly among Muslims, Christians, and Jews through Abraham.
“President Mahama believes that our diversity was ordained to help us know one another, not to turn us against each other,” Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah added.
The envoy also recalled the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, instituted by President Mahama and observed on July 1, 2025, as a demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to interfaith harmony, bringing people of all faiths together to pray for the nation.
Similarly, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah addressed the 65th Annual National Conference and Grand Durbar of the Ghana Muslim Mission, speaking on the theme “Religious Tolerance in Ghana.”
At the gathering, he underscored the Mission’s historic role in nurturing faith, discipline, education, and national cohesion. To illustrate tolerance as a lived reality, he shared a story from northern Ghana:
“When a mosque was damaged by storms, Muslim and Christian youth worked side by side to repair it. Months later, when a church needed repainting, the same Muslims returned to help—no labels asked, just neighbourly care. That is the Ghana we must protect.”
Describing Ghana as a beacon of peaceful coexistence in a troubled world, he cited examples such as Muslims joining friends during Christmas celebrations, Christians participating in Eid festivities, and traditional leaders blessing both mosque and church foundations.
“This harmony is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate leadership and responsible religious guidance,” Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah said.
The envoy emphasised that President Mahama shares this vision, regarding interfaith cooperation as both a moral duty and a strategic necessity for national stability.
“Religious harmony must be protected with the same seriousness we protect our national borders,” Hon. Afriyie – Ankrah stressed.
Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah further stressed that tolerance does not mean compromising faith, but holding beliefs firmly while respecting the humanity of others. He called on parents, religious leaders, and political actors to teach respect, preach peace, and refrain from exploiting religion for division.
Looking ahead, he announced plans for a major interfaith conference next year, which will bring together local and international Muslim and Christian clerics to strengthen dialogue and deepen Ghana’s culture of peace.
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, and with the full support of the entire government, the envoy congratulated the Tijjaniya Muslim Movement and the Ghana Muslim Mission for their continued service to faith and nation-building, and prayed for enduring peace, unity, and prosperity for Ghana.
Source:Mybryfmonline.com/Emmanuel Austin Baah
