President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong call for national unity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence during the national Eid al-Adha celebrations at Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Addressing a diverse gathering of religious leaders, government officials, and citizens gathered to mark the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice, President Mahama underscored the enduring relevance of Eid’s core values, humility, compassion, and sacrifice, in a world increasingly fractured by conflict, extremism, and division.
The President paid special tribute to Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, describing him as a living embodiment of the virtues every Ghanaian should strive to uphold.
“We are blessed to have the enduring example of our revered National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, whose life continues to inspire all Ghanaians through his humility, compassion, simplicity, tolerance, and peacebuilding. Let us emulate these noble virtues in our daily lives,” President Mahama said.
A significant portion of the President’s address was directed at Ghanaian youth. He made a direct appeal for young people to reject drug addiction and other harmful influences, urging them instead to channel their energies into education, skills development, and national service.
“I especially encourage our young people to remain disciplined, law-abiding, respectful, and responsible citizens. I urge you to also avoid drug addiction. Our nation needs young people who are focused on education, skills, hard work, entrepreneurship, and service to humanity,” he stated.
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s proud tradition of inter-religious harmony, noting that Christians and Muslims have for generations shared communities, schools, businesses, and family bonds, a legacy he called on all citizens to actively defend.
He issued a strong warning against any forces that could fracture that unity, urging Ghanaians across all ethnic and religious lines to stand firmly against extremism, political intolerance, and tribalism.
“I urge all Ghanaians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, to continue promoting peace, tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect. We must reject extremism, political intolerance, tribal divisions, and all acts that threaten our national unity,” President Mahama said.
Drawing further inspiration from the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the President described his life as one grounded in mercy, justice, honesty, and kindness, values, he noted, that should guide all Ghanaians, regardless of faith, toward building a more cohesive and prosperous nation.
