President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana remains a unique country in which people of different faiths worship side by side and coexist in unity.
He explained that Ghana is a rare example of a country with peaceful religious coexistence among Muslims, Christians and adherents of the African Traditional Religion (ATR).
Speaking at the commissioning of the Akweteyman Central Mosque in the Okaikwei North Municipality, President Mahama said Ghana’s strength lies in its unity across religious and cultural lines, urging citizens to safeguard the harmony that has become a defining feature of the nation.
“Ghana is unique. We all worship together, we are together—Muslims, Christians and African Traditional Religion believers. I pray that God will continue to bless us so we can sustain this peaceful coexistence,” President Mahama said.
The mosque project, which took 10 years to complete, saw accelerated work from April 2025 and was completed in September 2025 following additional support from President Mahama.
The President paid tribute to the late Imam Ali Akweteman for his significant contribution towards the construction of the mosque.
He recalled that last year, the contractor identified major structural challenges with the foundation and pillars of the building.
President Mahama said the contractor advised that the foundation and pillars be strengthened before the project could safely continue.
“Once they were sure that the structure was strong enough, then they proceeded with the completion of the mosque,” President Mahama stated.
The President prayed that Allah would listen to the supplications of all who visited the mosque.
“And that with anybody who comes into this mosque to pray, may Allah listen and respond to the person’s prayers,” he said, adding that the edifice should be a blessing to the people of Akweteman and all who visit.
President Mahama expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the completion of the mosque.
He singled out Madam Theresa Lardi Awuni, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, for her consistent visits and support during the construction period.
He said the mosque symbolised the peaceful coexistence among various religious groups in Ghana.
“With regard to this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given Ghana a quota of 5,960 pilgrims,” the President announced.
He said the government had reduced the cost of the 2026 Hajj to GH¢60,000, adding that his recent meeting with the Hajj Committee confirmed that the quota had already been filled.
He urged prospective pilgrims to respect the Committee’s directive not to accept late payments, saying the usual delays created problems, including some applicants being left behind.
President Mahama further disclosed that the Committee had secured quality accommodation for pilgrims in both Mecca, close to the Kaaba, and Medina, and was finalising transportation arrangements.
On infrastructure development, he said work on the Hajj Transit Terminal at the Kotoka International Airport, being constructed by the Ghana Airport Company, was ongoing.
Although it would not be ready for use this year, he expressed optimism that from 2027, pilgrims would enjoy a comfortable transit facility.
The President also noted that the month of Ramadan was approaching and prayed that its blessings would be bestowed on all Ghanaians and on the nation.
The ceremony was attended by the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly Chief Executive, Honourable Christian Tetteh Badger, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Francis K. Mensah, politicians, Muslim Clerics, Traditional rulers and Heads of Department and Units of the Assembly.
Source: onma.gov.gh
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson. AD IIB
