By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Oct. 14, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has called for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among people of different faiths as he officially opened the 10th Triennial World Assemblies of God Congress in Accra.
The congress, being held in Africa for the first time, has attracted more than 10,000 delegates from around the world for the three-day event on the theme: “Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation.”
President Mahama and the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, both members of the Assemblies of God Church, attended the event as Special Guests of Honour.
Addressing participants, President Mahama said prayers offered by religious bodies for leaders placed a solemn obligation on them to serve conscientiously and with integrity.
He noted that his Christian faith remained a source of strength and reflection, but emphasized that his oath of office required him to serve all Ghanaians regardless of their religious beliefs.
“As President, I have sworn to serve every Ghanaian – Christians of every denomination, Muslims, adherents of traditional religion, and even our citizens who profess no faith.”
According to the President, fairness, respect and equal consideration for all citizens are essential responsibilities of leadership.
He acknowledged that some Christian leaders had questioned certain decisions he had taken because of his commitment to ensuring fairness for people whose religious beliefs differ from his own.
President Mahama described Ghana’s religious diversity as one of the nation’s greatest assets, stressing the need to continue nurturing an environment where people of different faiths can live, work and support one another peacefully.
Drawing from personal experience, he noted that he comes from a multi-faith family, with some of his siblings being Muslims.
“Nevertheless, our different religions does not affect the love and affection that we share as people of the same bloodline,” he said.
The President further underscored the vital role churches play in promoting honesty, compassion, responsible citizenship and peace.
He urged religious institutions to maintain their moral independence and continue speaking against injustice and human suffering.
He also emphasized the church’s responsibility to protect society’s most vulnerable members and to invest in the development and guidance of the younger generation.
The congress is being held under the leadership of Rev. Dominic Yeo, Global Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship and General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Singapore.
It is being hosted by Rev. Dr Stephen Yenusom Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana.
The primary objective of the congress is to strengthen global fellowship, build the capacity of church leaders, and advance international Christian missions.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Iddi Yire