Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims during the month of Ramadan. 

Present at the event were Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam. 

Also in attendance were senior Muslim clerics, Christian leaders, ministers of state, Members of Parliament (MPs), government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps in Ghana. 

President Mahama in his remarks acknowledged the role of religious leaders in maintaining the peace and unity of the nation. 

“I wish, particularly to acknowledge the leadership of the National Chief Imam and the Islamic clergy whose wisdom and guidance continue to strengthen peace and unity in our nation.” 

He said the holy month of Ramadan was the period during which Muslims fast and purify their souls to Allah to grant them mercy and continue to guide them in the way that he wants them to do. 

“And so, Ramadan calls us to spiritual renewal, discipline, humility and to get closer to Allah. Time of reflection, patience, and sacrifice. It’s a time of bringing out the best in all of us,” he said. 

“It teaches us empathy for those who are struggling and reminds us of our duty to care for the vulnerable in society,” he added. 

President Mahama said Ghana’s Muslim community had made enormous contributions to the development of their country; stating that from scholarships and trade to public service and community leadership, Ghanaian Muslims had been central to Ghana’s story of progress.  

President Mahama said Allah made mankind of different tribes, male and female, different orientations, not that they should fight against each other but that they should know one another.  

“Ghana remains a shining example of this principle. A nation where Christians, Muslims and people of all faiths live together in mutual respect and harmony,” he said. 

President Mahama noted that Christians and Muslims were the most closely related in terms of religion because if one takes the Holy Bible, the Old Testament was the teaching of God and the New Testament was the life of Jesus Christ.  

President Mahama said as they observe Ramadan, they were also reminded of the importance of renewal and moral responsibility in their national life.  

He said the discipline of fasting teaches them restraint, honesty and accountability, values that must guide leadership and public service. 

He said, “the Quran 16:90 teaches them that indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and generosity to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression”.  

He reiterated that these were values that strongly resonated with their national aspirations to reset their country’s path, restore integrity and governance, and build a more just and prosperous society.  

“Ramadan is a time of generosity and compassion. Across Ghana, many Islamic organizations and individuals are providing food, charity, and support for people in need during this holy month,” he said. 

He emphasised that these acts of kindness strengthened their communities and reflected the true spirits of Ramadan.  

He said at a time when many parts of the world were faced with conflict and uncertainty, Ghanaians must continue to protect the peace and stability Ghana enjoys.  

“I humbly ask for your prayers during this Ramadan for our country, for our leaders and for other parts of the world that are afflicted by conflict, especially the Middle East,” President Mahama said. 

“We’re all concerned about what is happening in the Middle East. The conflict between the US and Israel and Iran is affecting not only the Middle East, it’s affecting the whole world.  

“We pray that Allah will touch the hearts of everybody involved in this conflict and bring peace to the people in the area,” he added. 

President Mahama said unity, solidarity and faith would continue to guide them as they work together for the progress of our beloved nation.