Mahama warns religious leaders against inciting hatred, violence

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned religious leaders against making statements that could inflame tensions, incite hatred or trigger violence among members of different faiths.

He said Ghana’s reputation for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence must not be allowed to suffer because of the actions or utterances of a few individuals.

President Mahama made the remarks on Thursday, August 20, 2026, when he addressed the opening of the 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, at Gomoa Fetteh.

His comments come amid recent controversy involving a pastor and an imam, following remarks attributed to the two religious figures and subsequent reports of physical confrontations.

The President described the situation as unfortunate and urged Christians, Muslims and followers of other faiths to approach such disagreements with maturity and restraint.

According to him, Ghana has built a strong tradition of peaceful religious coexistence over several generations, with people of different faiths living, working and studying together.

He warned that this achievement could easily be weakened if religious disagreements are allowed to develop into hostility or violence.

“Religious conviction must never become religious provocation,” President Mahama stressed, emphasising that freedom of worship does not permit anyone to insult another person's faith, encourage violence or resort to unlawful action.

He further urged religious leaders to be mindful of the influence they wield, particularly when speaking from pulpits, mosques and social media platforms.

President Mahama noted that statements made in such settings can quickly reach large audiences and potentially heighten emotions, especially when they touch on sensitive religious issues.

He therefore appealed to pastors, imams and other faith leaders to use their platforms to promote understanding, tolerance and peaceful dialogue rather than deepen divisions.

The President also rejected the use of violence in the name of religion, insisting that no religious cause can justify attacks or threats against another person.

He said respected religious figures, including the National Chief Imam, were expected to help mediate and encourage reconciliation between the parties involved in the recent dispute.

At the same time, President Mahama maintained that any wrongdoing must be handled through the appropriate legal processes, stressing the importance of fairness and impartiality.

He also called for greater efforts to educate young people about religious diversity, saying differences in faith should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen Ghana's social fabric rather than a source of division.

Turning to the Assemblies of God, Ghana, meeting, President Mahama congratulated the church on convening its 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting.

He encouraged the church to continue using its influence to promote peace, support vulnerable members of society and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The President said the Church's commitment to prayer, evangelism and service could play an important role in strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that Ghana's tradition of religious harmony is preserved for future generations.