President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a strong call for national unity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence at the national Eid al-Adha celebrations held at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Speaking to a gathering of religious leaders, government officials, and citizens marking the Muslim feast of sacrifice, President Mahama emphasised that the core values of Eid al-Adha — humility, compassion, and sacrifice — remain highly relevant in a world increasingly plagued by conflict, extremism, and division.
The President paid special tribute to Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, describing his life as a living example of the virtues all Ghanaians 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, his compassion, his simplicity, his tolerance and his peacebuilding. Let us emulate these noble virtues in our daily lives,” the President said.
President Mahama directed a significant part of his address to Ghana’s youth, urging young people to avoid drug addiction and other negative influences, and to instead focus their energies on 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.
The President also spotlighted Ghana’s long-standing tradition of inter-religious harmony, noting that Christians and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations — sharing communities, schools, businesses, and even family ties — a legacy he called on all citizens to protect.
He issued a strong warning against any forces that could undermine this unity, urging Ghanaians of all ethnic and religious backgrounds to firmly reject 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.
