Mahama Cautions Ghanaians Against Tribalism

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned Ghanaians to remain alert to the rising threats of tribalism, religious extremism and political hostility, warning that such forces could erode the country’s hard-won peace and stability.

Speaking at the inaugural National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra yesterday, the president said while the nation has remained an “oasis of peace” in a region often plagued by instability, that peace must not be taken for granted.

“Let us remain vigilant against the voices of tribalism, against the voices of religious extremism and against the poison of political hostility. These are the seeds of division that we must never let them take root in our precious nation. We must speak a language of peace, compassion and mutual respect. We must build bridges, not barriers, for we are one people, sharing one land and pursuing one identity and destiny,” he said.

The celebration was observed under the theme: “Reflection, Reset and Renewal for National Prosperity.”

Mr. Mahama used the occasion to thank the church and Ghanaian faithful for their intercession over the years, stressing that it is their prayers and not merely policy that have preserved the nation.

“Every peaceful sunrise, every act of kindness, every healing, every harvest in our land is not by our strength alone. These are the manifestations of God’s mercy and grace,” he said.

Mr. John Mahama also emphasised the importance of ethical leadership, warning that public office must not be treated as a vehicle for personal gain.

“We must hold those in authority, including myself, accountable to the highest standards of integrity and humility. Public office is not a privilege for personal enrichment. It is a sacred trust bestowed by the people,” he said.

He praised Ghana’s long standing culture of religious tolerance, which he described as a “precious national asset” that must be protected at all costs.

In Ghana, he noted, churches and mosques coexist peacefully, demonstrating the possibility of unity amidst diversity.

“Our different traditions and backgrounds have not weakened us, they have strengthened us in our shared identity,” he said.

Looking ahead, the president urged Ghanaians to renew their commitment to justice, honesty, and sacrifice, saying the greatness of the nation is not in its budgets or infrastructure, but in the character of its people.

Mr. Mahama also expressed gratitude to the Christian community, including the Assemblies of God, Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Christian Council of Ghana, Pentecostal Council and Christendom at large, for being “moral anchors in the storms of national life.”

He concluded with a prayerful message of hope, declaring that the best of Ghana still lies ahead. “Thanks to your prayer and faith, July 1st will no longer be remembered only as our Republic Day, it is now our National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. Our best days are not behind us. Our best days lie ahead.”

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, who delivered the sermon, called on Ghanaians to undertake a moral, spiritual and civic renewal to secure the nation’s future and shared prosperity. “This is not just a day of gratitude. It is also a time of reflection, a call to reset from greed and division, and a renewal of our commitment to the common good.”

Referencing the theme of the celebration, he said the terms should not be taken as slogans, but as a serious call to action.

“To reflect is to see both our blessings and blind spots. To reset is to turn away from destructive tendencies such as corruption and division. And to renew is to recommit ourselves to the good of all, not just a few.”

Citing Prophet Jeremiah, he urged the nation to “stand at the crossroads and ask for the ancient paths… where the good way was,” stressing that only by returning to virtuous roots can Ghana find peace and rest.

Cardinal Appiah Turkson warned against the “tragedy of the commons,” where greed leads to the destruction of shared national resources.

“Our rivers no longer give life, for our children are getting sick from mercury exposure. Greed has created negative externalities that we all suffer from,” he lamented.

He argued that real change cannot come from leadership alone, but from all citizens embracing virtue.

“Virtuous living is not for priests and pastors only. Ghana needs people who will act for the common good.”

He concluded by urging Ghanaians to draw lessons from the past, both painful and inspiring, to build a future of justice, solidarity and dignity for all.

“Let us reflect, reset and renew, and may God, whose power can do infinitely more than we ask or imagine, bless our land and guide us.”

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