President John Dramani Mahama has praised the significant contributions of the Islamic community to Ghana’s moral, spiritual, and social development, describing them as vital pillars of national harmony and progress.
Speaking during the Islamic Service of the maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at the National Mosque at Kanda on Tuesday, July 1, President Mahama expressed heartfelt appreciation to Muslim leaders, particularly Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, whom he lauded as “a father to the nation and a living embodiment of humility, wisdom, and peace.”
The service was attended by prominent religious and political leaders, including Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson.
A day of gratitude and reflection
President Mahama described the Day of Prayer as a moment of “profound national reflection” that transcends politics and partisanship.
“It is not a favour to any individual or government. It is a spiritual duty. It is a sacred opportunity for us as Ghanaians to turn our hearts to the Almighty,” he said.
Drawing from Surah Ibrahim 14:7 — “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favour” — the President said Ghana’s relative peace in a world torn by war, economic hardship, and disease was not solely the result of policy or leadership, but also due to divine mercy and the ceaseless prayers of the righteous.
“We are grateful for the strength of tolerance that allows Muslims, Christians, traditional believers and people of no formal religion to live side by side in harmony. Allah, we say thank you,” he added.
Sharing peace across faiths
Injecting a touch of humour into his remarks, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s cherished culture of interfaith unity.
He cited the eagerness of non-Muslim friends and neighbours to receive Salla meat during Eid as a lighthearted but profound reflection of national harmony.
“This year I saw a post during Eid al-Adha that said, ‘To whom Christmas jollof and chicken was given, Salla meat is expected.’ That simple act of sharing says something deep about who we are as Ghanaians—we celebrate one another’s blessings.”
But he quickly cautioned that Ghana’s peace, though durable, remains fragile.
“We must work even harder to defend our national harmony in these times of rising intolerance. We must not allow politics to divide us. We must reject tribalism, extremism, and those who profit from our disunity.”
Unity in diversity: A divine gift
President Mahama reiterated that Ghana’s diversity in religion, language, and ethnicity is not a source of weakness but a “blessing from Allah” that must be embraced and protected.
He urged Ghanaians to remain steadfast in promoting peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and respect for all religious traditions—calling on citizens to build bridges rather than walls of division.
Ahmadiyya leader calls for gratitude
Delivering the sermon, Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission echoed the President’s sentiments, urging Ghanaians to be grateful for the peace and stability they enjoy.
He reminded the congregation of the divine blessings Ghana possesses — including its mineral wealth and fertile lands — which must be harnessed in unity for national development.
Celebrating Ghana’s religious harmony
The Islamic Service was one of two major interfaith events that marked Ghana’s first-ever National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
Earlier in the day, President Mahama had attended the Christian Service at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.
The event brought together leaders from all walks of life in a unified act of spiritual renewal, intercession, and thanksgiving for Ghana’s continued peace, with an appeal for national values to guide the nation ahead of its upcoming elections and ongoing economic recovery.
