Ghana must take deliberate measures to protect its long-standing religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, especially as religious identity becomes increasingly linked to political discussions, Mansa Williams, Board Secretary of the Danquah Institute, has warned.
Williams said recent incidents involving offensive religious comments, threats, arrests and physical attacks should serve as a warning that Ghana’s religious harmony must not be taken for granted.
She made the remarks during an interview on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, ahead of the Danquah Institute’s Liberty Lecture on religious tolerance scheduled to take place in Accra.
According to Williams, Ghana’s religious harmony is a valuable national asset that must be protected and preserved.
Her comments come amid growing concerns over the intersection of religion and politics in Ghana, particularly as political parties and stakeholders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Williams stressed that a person’s religious background should never determine their chances of winning or losing an election.
She urged political leaders, religious authorities and public figures to exercise greater responsibility when making statements, particularly on social media, where inflammatory comments can quickly spread and create tension.
The Danquah Institute official also called for stronger protection of the principle of equal citizenship, emphasising that every Ghanaian should have equal rights and opportunities to participate in national affairs regardless of religious affiliation.
Williams further raised concerns about threats of violence arising from religious disagreements, warning that such incidents could undermine Ghana’s peaceful democratic environment.
She maintained that political competition should be based on competence, policies, leadership ability and national development, rather than religious identity.
According to her, Ghana’s democracy will be strengthened when citizens can participate freely in elections without discrimination based on their faith.
Source: newsthemegh.com