President Mahama urges Ghanaians to carry Ramadan values beyond Eid celebrations

President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians, particularly Muslims, to sustain the values of discipline, compassion and unity cultivated during Ramadan, stressing that Eid-al-Fitr should mark the continuation and not the end of the spiritual journey.

Addressing congregants at Independence Square on Friday, March 20, the President said the significance of Eid extended beyond celebration to a renewed commitment to righteous living and social responsibility.

“My brothers and sisters, Eid is not only a celebration, it is a call to continuity. Let us carry forward the spirit of Ramadan in how we treat one another, in how we serve our communities, in how we uphold justice and fairness,” he said.

He called on citizens to remain guided by compassion for the vulnerable, kindness towards neighbours and integrity in their daily lives, noting that the principles of sacrifice, humility and self-discipline observed during Ramadan must continue to shape behaviour beyond the fasting period.

President Mahama also congratulated Muslims in Ghana and across the world for successfully completing the holy month, describing Eid-al-Fitr as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection.

“Today is a day of gratitude for the strength, patience and faith that carried us through Ramadan,” he noted.

Unity and peaceful coexistence

The President used the occasion to reaffirm Ghana’s longstanding reputation for religious harmony, describing the country as a model of peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths and cultures.

“Our diversity of faith and culture is not a weakness; it is our strength. Muslims and Christians celebrate each other’s holy days and coexist as one people. This harmony is a precious gift, and we must protect it,” he stated.

He further emphasised the point, saying: “Fellow citizens, Ghana continues to stand as a shining example of peaceful coexistence. Our diversity of faith and culture is not a weakness; it is rather our strength.”

Highlighting everyday expressions of unity, he added: “Muslims and Christians celebrate each other’s holy days, we participate in each other’s ceremonies, and we coexist as one people. This harmony is a precious gift, and we must protect it.”

Call to reject extremism

President Mahama cautioned against forces that threaten national cohesion, urging Ghanaians to consciously reject division, extremism and intolerance in all forms.

“Let us reject anything that will divide us. Let us reject extremism and intolerance. Let us choose dialogue over discord, unity over division, and peace over conflict,” the President stated.

He stressed that preserving national harmony remained critical to sustaining Ghana’s stability and long-term development.

Development agenda requires collective effort

Touching on governance, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive development under the Reset Agenda, with emphasis on job creation, education, infrastructure, healthcare and targeted support for underserved communities, including Zongo areas.

He, however, underscored the need for collective national effort to achieve these goals.

“Government alone cannot achieve this. We need your partnership, your prayers, and your continued commitment to national development,” he said.

The Eid-al-Fitr gathering brought together Muslims from across the capital in a celebration marked by prayers, reflection and renewed calls for unity and national cohesion.