President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance and equal treatment for all Ghanaians while opening the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship in Accra on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

He told more than 10,000 delegates at the Accra International Conference Centre that the office he holds as President demands fairness toward every citizen, whatever their belief.

President Mahama disclosed that some Christian leaders have questioned his faith because he has insisted on fair action toward people of other religions. He responded by pointing to his oath of office and to his own household, which includes members of different faiths.

“As president, I’ve sworn duty to serve every Ghanaian, Christians of every denomination, Muslims, adherents of traditional religion, and even our citizens who profess no faith.”
President John Dramani Mahama

Faith Questioned, Fairness Defended

Speaking as a member of the Assemblies of God Church, President Mahama described his Christian faith as a source of strength and reflection. He nonetheless drew a firm line between personal belief and public duty. “My responsibility as president demands fairness, respect, and equal concern for all,” he told the congress.

He acknowledged that his stance has drawn criticism from within the Christian community. He stated that “there are times when some Christian leaders have questioned my faith because I’ve insisted on actions that are fair to those who profess a faith that is different from mine.” He did not name any critic, and he offered no retreat from the position.

The President praised Ghana’s religious plurality in strong terms. He called it the country’s most precious possession and urged Ghanaians to keep strengthening the bonds that let neighbours of different faiths live, work and care for one another.

“Ghana’s religious diversity is our most precious possession.” The remark carried weight in a hall filled with Christians from across the world, because it asked a church audience to value the faiths of others as a national good.

A Personal Stake in Tolerance

President Mahama then made the issue personal. He disclosed that “this is personal to me because I come from a multi-faith family and have siblings who are Muslim.”

Differences in religion, he added, do not reduce the love and affection he shares with relatives of the same bloodline. His own household, in other words, shows the coexistence he wants the nation to practise.

The President outlined a role for churches in sustaining that harmony. He stated that “Our churches can contribute in invaluable ways by cultivating honesty, compassion, responsible citizenship, and peace.” He also encouraged the church to support public service while keeping the moral independence to speak truthfully about injustice and suffering.

He tied prayer to behaviour. A prayer for peace, he argued, should make believers more careful with their words. A prayer for justice should make them more attentive to people who suffer unfair treatment, and a prayer for national progress should move them to contribute through their own work.

Leadership Marked by Humility

President Mahama also spoke about the standard he expects of public officials. He stated that faith should deepen humility, strengthen respect for citizens and sharpen attention to people whose voices rarely reach the centre of power. He dedicated himself to serve with humility and to measure his leadership by the difference it makes in people’s lives.

He closed by hoping the congress would support communities facing hardship and strengthen a deeper commitment to global peace. He wished delegates a safe journey home and asked God to bless the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, Assemblies of God Ghana, and every nation present.