President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of Muslim women to wear the hijab freely and promoting educational opportunities for underserved Muslim communities. Speaking at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event held at the National Mosque in Kanda, Accra, on January 10, 2025, President Mahama underscored the importance of religious freedom and equality as enshrined in the nation’s Constitution.
Addressing the congregation, President Mahama emphasized that his administration is dedicated to ensuring the protection of constitutional provisions that safeguard the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. He stated, “We promised to uphold the constitutional provision that Ghanaians are free to belong to any religion and to profess their religion. Professing our religion includes how we dress. And so, in that vein, we will protect the rights of Muslim women to wear their hijabs wherever.” His remarks were met with applause and appreciation from the Muslim community, which has long advocated for the recognition and respect of their cultural and religious practices.
The President’s commitment to religious freedom is rooted in his vision for a Ghana where diversity is celebrated and every citizen feels included in the nation’s progress. By reiterating his stance on the hijab, Mahama reassured the Muslim community of his administration’s dedication to creating a society that respects and values all forms of religious expression. This approach aligns with his broader agenda of fostering unity and inclusivity across all sectors of the nation.
In addition to advocating for religious freedoms, President Mahama highlighted his administration’s efforts to address disparities in education, particularly within deprived Muslim communities. He announced a renewed focus on providing scholarships to students from underserved areas, with the aim of promoting equitable access to higher education. “We also promised to provide more scholarships for students in deprived communities, especially the Muslim communities, to study three main subjects—medicine, so that we can have more doctors who are Muslims; law; and Information and Communication Technology,” he said.
This pledge represents a significant step toward bridging the educational gap and empowering individuals from marginalized communities to excel in critical fields. By prioritizing medicine, law, and ICT, Mahama’s administration seeks to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to national development. The focus on these disciplines also reflects the growing importance of healthcare, legal expertise, and technological innovation in shaping Ghana’s future.
President Mahama’s remarks at the National Mosque encapsulate his administration’s vision for a Ghana where no one is left behind. By addressing both religious freedoms and educational advancement, he has outlined a comprehensive approach to tackling systemic inequalities and promoting social cohesion. His message resonated deeply with the audience, which included prominent religious leaders, government officials, and members of the Muslim community.
The National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event served as a platform for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitments to national unity. Held at the iconic National Mosque in Kanda, the gathering brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to pray for peace, prosperity, and progress. In his address, Mahama acknowledged the contributions of the Muslim community to Ghana’s development and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to achieve common goals.
The President’s focus on scholarships for Muslim students is particularly significant, given the historical challenges faced by these communities in accessing quality education. By targeting underserved areas and promoting STEM-related disciplines, Mahama’s initiative aims to dismantle barriers to education and create opportunities for young people to thrive. This effort aligns with his administration’s broader strategy to invest in human capital and harness the potential of Ghana’s youth.
The commitment to religious freedom and educational advancement is not only a reflection of Mahama’s personal values but also a response to the aspirations of the Ghanaian people. His administration’s policies are rooted in the principles of equity, justice, and inclusivity, which are essential for building a cohesive and prosperous society. By prioritizing these issues, Mahama has positioned himself as a leader who listens to the concerns of his constituents and takes meaningful action to address them.
The emphasis on the hijab as a symbol of religious expression highlights the broader significance of cultural and religious identity in shaping Ghana’s social fabric. By protecting the rights of Muslim women to wear the hijab, Mahama’s administration reinforces the importance of respecting individual choices and fostering a culture of acceptance. This stance is particularly important in a diverse nation like Ghana, where harmony depends on mutual respect and understanding.
As Ghana continues to navigate its development journey, the policies outlined by President Mahama at the National Mosque represent a roadmap for achieving inclusive growth. By investing in education, safeguarding religious freedoms, and promoting social cohesion, his administration is laying the foundation for a future where every Ghanaian has the opportunity to succeed. These initiatives also serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared values in driving national progress.
The President’s call to action at the National Mosque underscores his commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized communities and ensuring that their voices are heard. By prioritizing issues that matter most to the Ghanaian people, Mahama has demonstrated his dedication to building a nation that works for everyone. His administration’s policies reflect a deep understanding of the challenges facing the country and a clear vision for overcoming them.
In conclusion, President Mahama’s address at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event was a powerful reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to religious freedom and educational advancement. By protecting the rights of Muslim women to wear the hijab and providing scholarships for students in deprived communities, he has set a clear agenda for promoting equity, justice, and inclusion. These efforts represent a significant step toward building a Ghana where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or beliefs.
