Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has urged all Ghanaians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity to continue promoting peace, tolerance, understanding and mutual respect.
In his message to Muslims, who were celebrating this year’s Eid-ul-Adha on Wednesday in Accra, President Mahama said: “We must reject extremism, political intolerance, tribal divisions and all acts that threaten our national unity.”
President Mahama, who joined congregation, praised Ghanaians for standing out as a shining example of deep religious tolerance.
“Christians and Muslims have lived together harmoniously for generations, sharing communities, schools, businesses and even family times.
We must continue to preserve and strengthen this harmony,” he said.
President Mahama said that the message of Eid was particularly important in today’s world, where many societies faced division, intolerance and conflict.
He called on Ghanaians to embrace the values of sacrifice, peace, compassion and national unity.
According to local media reports on Thursday, President Mahama was accompanied by the Presidential Envoy in charge of Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah; the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim; the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, who joined the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, whose presence drew warm cheers from the large congregation.
The reports added that the national holiday event brought together hundreds of Muslims from across the capital and beyond, creating a colourful display of religious attire, children’s laughter, and the spirit of communal prayer.
GIK/APA