Muslims protested when Leader of ICGC, Pastor Mensah Otabil renovated the National mosque — Mustapha

Mustapha Abdul Hamid has reignited debate over religious tolerance in Ghana following his observations at the Liberty Lecture, where he discussed the relationship between Christians and Muslims under the theme “One Nation, Many Faiths.”

The former National Petroleum Authority CEO reflected on the country’s interfaith relations and suggested that there are differences in the way Christians and Muslims sometimes respond to the religious practices of each other.

Hamid noted that, based on his personal experience, he had never seen Christians protest against the early-morning call to prayer associated with Islam. He contrasted this with an incident involving Pastor Mensah Otabil of the International Central Gospel Church, who was involved in the renovation of the National Mosque and faced objections from some members of the Muslim community.

He explained that the situation generated considerable tension but was ultimately influenced by the intervention of the Chief Imam, who supported the renovation project. According to Hamid, the Chief Imam reminded those involved that Christians and Muslims share common roots through Abraham.

For Hamid, the episode offered an important lesson about religious coexistence and the responsibility of faith leaders to promote understanding whenever disagreements arise.

The comments have revived broader discussions about Ghana’s reputation for peaceful religious coexistence. Christianity and Islam are both major components of Ghanaian society, and maintaining positive relations between their followers remains important to the country’s social stability.

Although Ghana protects religious freedom and allows individuals to practise their faith without discrimination, occasional disagreements demonstrate that legal protections alone may not be enough. Continued engagement and education are necessary to ensure that members of different faiths understand and respect one another.

The National Mosque renovation episode also demonstrates how an act viewed as support or goodwill by one group may sometimes be perceived differently by another. Hamid’s remarks therefore call for greater consistency in the way religious communities respond to practices and gestures from other faiths.

The Chief Imam’s decision to support the renovation was presented as an example of how shared values can overcome religious differences. His reference to the common heritage of Christians and Muslims reinforced the idea that faith should not become a source of unnecessary division.

In the end, Hamid’s contribution to the Liberty Lecture has highlighted the importance of tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect in preserving Ghana’s interfaith harmony. His message suggests that the country’s strength as a nation of diverse religious beliefs depends on the willingness of all communities to coexist peacefully.