The Danquah Institute (DI) is set to host Islamic scholar, academic, politician and former Minister of State, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Liberty Lecture.
The lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Ridge Arena of Alisa Hotel in Ridge, Accra.
This year’s lecture is themed “One Nation, Many Faiths: Emerging Threats to Religious Tolerance in Ghana” and will examine Ghana’s long-standing tradition of religious coexistence and the emerging challenges that could threaten the country’s multifaith heritage.
The event will be chaired by Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Addow Obeng, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, former President of Central University and former President of Presbyterian University.
Ghana’s tradition of religious tolerance
Dr Abdul-Hamid is expected to explore the history, culture and values that have allowed Christians, Muslims and followers of other faiths to live and participate peacefully in Ghanaian society for generations.
Although Ghana is predominantly Christian, the country has developed a diverse religious environment in which different faith communities participate in national life.
According to the Danquah Institute, this tradition of tolerance has become an important part of Ghana’s national identity and provides an example of interfaith harmony for Africa and the wider world.
The lecture will examine the historical, cultural and constitutional foundations of Ghana’s multifaith society, particularly the principles underpinning the country’s secular state.
It will also highlight the shared institutions, social relationships and common values that have enabled Ghanaians to place their national identity and collective interests above religious differences.
Emerging threats to religious harmony
Beyond celebrating Ghana’s record of religious tolerance, Dr Abdul-Hamid will address developments and narratives that could place the country’s interfaith harmony under pressure.
He is expected to draw on teachings and principles from major world religions, alongside Ghana’s diverse traditions, customs and values, to challenge prejudices, misconceptions and false perceptions about religious communities.
The lecture will also emphasise the need for continued vigilance in protecting the peace, religious freedom and mutual respect that have characterised Ghanaian society.
Mansa Williams Esq., Secretary of the Danquah Institute, said the central message of this year’s Liberty Lecture is the importance of protecting Ghana’s shared values despite religious diversity.
“The central message of this year’s Liberty Lecture Series is that although the lamps may be many, the light is one and Ghana’s unity and progress depend upon safeguarding the mutual respect and shared values that have sustained its multifaith society,” she said.
Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid
Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid is an accomplished Islamic scholar, academic and public intellectual who has held several senior positions in Ghanaian public life.
He has previously served as Minister for Information and Minister for Inner-City and Zongo Development, among other public roles.
His participation in the 2026 Liberty Lecture is expected to bring together academic, religious, political and civic perspectives on the importance of preserving Ghana’s tradition of religious tolerance.
The event comes at a time when questions surrounding religious identity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence continue to attract public discussion.
The Danquah Institute hopes the lecture will encourage renewed national reflection on the values that unite Ghanaians across religious and cultural lines while promoting greater understanding among the country’s various faith communities.
