President John Dramani Mahama has described Ghana as a shining oasis of peace in sub-Saharan Africa, attributing the country’s stability largely to its strong culture of religious tolerance. He said peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, including Muslims, Christians, and adherents of African Traditional Religion, remains one of Ghana’s greatest national assets and must be protected at all costs.
The President made this observation at the inauguration of the Akweteiman Central Mosque in the Greater Accra Region, which he personally funded. The project represents the fulfilment of a promise he made to Muslims in the area during the 2024 electioneering campaign. He urged all religious groups, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to continue holding firmly to the spirit of tolerance and unity that has kept the country peaceful.
“Ghana remains a beacon of peace in our sub-region because we have learned to respect one another’s faiths and live together in harmony. This is a treasure we must protect,” the President said, while commending the Muslim community for its role in promoting national cohesion.
President Mahama also revealed that the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage slots for Ghana have already been fully paid for by prospective pilgrims. He explained that the reduction in Hajj fares has triggered increased interest in the pilgrimage, but the quota allocated to Ghana does not permit additional numbers. He therefore called for patience among those who were unable to secure slots and encouraged early payment next year to avoid being left out.
In a related development, during Jummah prayers at the Western Regional Air Force Base Central Mosque, the Presidential Coordinator for Zango and Inner-City Development, Alhaji Baban Lami Abu Sadat, speaking on behalf of the President, explained that the government’s open-door policy toward religious bodies is a deliberate effort to promote inclusive governance and national development. “This government believes in listening to all voices. Our doors remain open to religious bodies because inclusive governance is key to sustainable development,” he noted, encouraging the Muslim community to take advantage of the policy to improve their social and economic well-being.
Also speaking on behalf of the President at the Western Regional Maulid celebration marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Alhaji Abu Sadat recalled that ahead of the 2024 general elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) sought the support of Muslim leaders and communities nationwide. He expressed gratitude for their unwavering prayers and support, noting that the party won the elections with more than a two-thirds majority in Parliament. “The Muslim leadership and community stood firmly with us before the elections, and today we say thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your unflinching support,” he said.
He outlined several commitments the government has fulfilled in favour of the Muslim community, including the reduction of Hajj fares, the ongoing construction of a permanent Hajj Village, the abolition of the E-Levy, payment of allowances to Assembly Members, and the provision of scholarships for the youth, particularly in Muslim communities.
Alhaji Abu Sadat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies that benefit deprived communities, especially Zangos and inner cities, stressing that no one would be left behind. He also called for sustained unity within the Muslim Ummah and appealed for continuous prayers for the smooth running of the country.
The event, led by the Leader of the Tijaniyya Movement in Ghana, Sheikh Abdul-Wadudu Haruna Cisse, offered special prayers for President Mahama and the government. It was attended by Muslim clerics, traditional authorities, and a cross-section of religious leaders from across the country.
By Osman Dawda
