Mahama cautions Ghanaians not to take religious freedom for granted

President John Mahama has cautioned Ghanaians not to take religious freedom for granted amid recent controversy involving a Muslim cleric and a Christian pastor. Speaking at the 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Mahama emphasized the importance of restraint and responsibility from religious leaders in their public statements and social media usage.

He highlighted how such incidents, including online insults, arrests, and physical assault, are deeply unfortunate and must not define interfaith relations in the country. Mahama stressed that despite their diverse faiths, Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths have lived peacefully together for generations as part of Ghana's national asset.

He warned against using religious freedom as a license to insult others' beliefs or incite violence, stating that disagreements should never turn into hatred, intimidation, or assault. Mahama quoted from the Bible, emphasizing that God does not need violence committed in His name and that Christians are called to demonstrate Christ-like character even when disagreements arise.

He commended police Inspector General Christian Tetteh Yohuno and religious leaders Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu for their role in promoting reconciliation. Mahama appealed to religious leaders, traditional authorities, and the National Peace Council to strengthen interfaith dialogue, especially among the younger generation, to recognize that religious diversity is a strength when based on mutual respect.