Ghana cannot build the society it aspires to be without leaders who are guided by honesty, restraint, and a genuine commitment to the people they serve.
That was the message at the heart of a call for national renewal and moral accountability in public life.
The call was made by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday evening at the Presidency, where he hosted members of Ghana’s Muslim community to mark Ramadan and break the fast together.
Drawing on the Quran, President Mahama said the discipline of fasting was not just a religious exercise but a mirror of the values that must govern those entrusted with public office.
He cited Quran chapter 16, verse 19, noting that Allah commands justice, excellence, and generosity while forbidding immorality, bad conduct, and oppression.
“These are values that strongly resonate with our national aspirations to reset our country’s path, restore integrity in governance, and build a more just and prosperous society,” he said.
He emphasized that Ramadan was a season that brought out the best in people, teaching empathy for the struggling and reminding all of their duty to care for the vulnerable.
President Mahama pointed out that the month’s call to generosity was already visible across the country, with Islamic organisations and individuals providing food, charity, and support for those in need.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of Ghana’s Muslim community to national development across trade, scholarship, and public service, paying particular tribute to the National Chief Imam and the Islamic clergy for their steady role in maintaining peace and unity in the country.
President Mahama further noted that Ghana’s long tradition of religious harmony was not by accident but a reflection of a shared commitment to understanding one another rather than allowing difference to become a source of division.
He said Christians and Muslims, despite their distinct faiths, were bound by the same core teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness.
He also asked those gathered to pray for the people caught in the Middle East conflict, saying the hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran had moved well beyond a regional matter and were now affecting the entire world.
He expressed hope that Allah would touch the hearts of all parties involved and bring relief to those suffering.
President Mahama closed with a prayer for Ghana and its leaders before leading the gathering in breaking the fast. “May Allah bless our nation with peace, unity, and prosperity,” he said. “Ramadan Mubarak.”
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
