Accra: President John Mahama has called on citizens to let fasting of Ramadan be a period of renewal of their moral responsibility towards the nation.

He said the renewal geared towards better public service was crucial for a country on a path of restoring integrity, good governance and building a more just and prosperous society.

The president was speaking at an 2026 iftar hosting the leadership of the Ghanaian Muslim community.

“At a time when many parts of the world are faced with conflict and uncertainty, we must continue to protect the peace and stability Ghana enjoys,” he said.

Speaking on inter-religious harmony, he said the true followers of Prophet Mohammed and Jesus Christ are filled with love and compassion and forgiveness.

He observed that amid the diversity that exists among people, the teachings of Islam and Christianity are closely related, as they both encourage the emulation of the lives of leaders who exemplified love, patience and kindness.

“And so, if you say you are a true Muslim or you are a true Christian and you are hard of heart, you are unforgiving, you are wicked, and you kill your fellow man, you can’t call yourself a true Muslim or a true Christian,” he said.

Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, said Ramadan has taught Muslims to uphold the rights of Allah by worshipping him and the rights of fellow human beings by serving humanity.

“There are many of us here, but for the month of Ramadan, we wouldn’t have known what is called hunger,” he said.

He observed that the fasting period teaches perseverance, patience and empathy toward the less privileged.

The month, he also noted, provides a clarity of purpose as to the essence of creation.

Present at the event was the National Chief Imam, who said the opening prayer, and the leadership of the Shia and the Ahlussunnah Wal Jama’a Muslim sects.

Also represented were members of the diplomatic corps from predominantly Muslim and Arab countries.