Our religious conviction must never become religious provocation - Mahama urges
He said the incidents served as a reminder that Ghana’s religious tolerance should never be taken for granted
Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, emphasized on Thursday that religious tensions should not weaken the country's tradition of peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths. At the 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting of the Assemblies of God in Gomoa Fetteh, he addressed recent incidents involving a pastor and an imam, which included controversial comments and reports of physical confrontations.
Mahama stressed that these events highlighted the importance of maintaining Ghana's religious tolerance, a cornerstone of national harmony that has endured for generations.
He reminded that Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths have lived together harmoniously, sharing various aspects of life such as families, schools, workplaces, and public institutions. The country's peaceful coexistence remains a significant asset, which must be safeguarded. Mahama clarified that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the right to express one's faith, these freedoms do not permit individuals to insult others, incite violence, or take matters into their own hands.
He cautioned that religious conviction should not become a provocation, warning that disagreements must not escalate into hatred, intimidation, or assault. Mahama urged religious leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility, particularly in their public expressions and social media usage, as careless statements can quickly escalate, causing widespread harm.
He emphasized that religious leaders, including the National Chief Imam, should intervene to promote reconciliation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, while allowing the legal process to proceed fairly and impartially.
The President also called for the next generation to understand that religious diversity should be seen as a strength, not a weakness, grounded in mutual respect. As the Assemblies of God, Ghana, discussed the future of the Church, Mahama urged the denomination to uphold its principles of prayer, evangelism, and goodwill, translating faith into actions that promote peace, support the vulnerable, and contribute to national development.
Written by urgent.news from 3News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
