Mahama pledges religious fairness as Assemblies of God opens 10th World Congress in Accra
President Mahama calls for religious tolerance and equal treatment for all as Ghana hosts the first African edition of the Assemblies of God World Congress, bringing together church leaders from across the globe.
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to religious fairness, tolerance and equal treatment for all Ghanaians, regardless of their religious beliefs, at the opening of the Assemblies of God’s 10th Triennial World Congress in Accra.
Addressing thousands of church leaders and delegates at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Wednesday October 14, the President said his constitutional responsibility required him to serve all Ghanaians, including Christians of every denomination, Muslims, adherents of traditional religions and people who profess no faith.
President Mahama acknowledged that his commitment to fairness had sometimes led some Christian leaders to question his faith, particularly when he insisted on decisions that protected the interests of people from different religious backgrounds.
“My responsibility as president demands fairness, respect, and equal concern for all,” he stressed.
He described Ghana’s religious diversity as one of the country’s most valuable assets and urged citizens to nurture peaceful relationships that enable people of different faiths to live, work and care for one another.
The President, who disclosed that he comes from a multi-faith family, said differences in religious beliefs had not diminished the love and affection among family members.
President Mahama pledged to remain committed to serving the people, emphasising that the most enduring measure of leadership was the difference it made in their lives.
The three-day gathering, which runs from October 14 to 16, marks the first time an African country is hosting the World Assemblies of God Congress in the church’s 115-year history.
The congress is being held under the theme, “COMMISSIONED: One Mandate, Every Nation,” drawn from Matthew 28:18–20, which underscores the Christian mandate to spread the gospel throughout the world.
The theme also aligns with the Assemblies of God’s MM33 Agenda, which seeks to establish one million churches worldwide by 2033.
The Global Chairman of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Dominic Yeo, commended Ghana for its spiritual vitality, political stability and hospitality, congratulating the country on securing the historic opportunity to host the gathering.
He drew parallels between Ghana’s role as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence and its position as the first African host of the global congress.
The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, described the hosting of the congress as a “righteous imposition and a divine assignment,” attributing the achievement to faith and collective effort.
“What we are witnessing today is not by our might. Ghana plucked up divine faith to do the unthinkable, and God has rallied to our aid,” he said.
Rev. Wengam expressed appreciation to President Mahama and the First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, for what he described as their “tremendous and uncommon support” for the event.
The Assemblies of God movement has grown to more than 89.9 million members worldwide, including over 20 million in Africa, with more than 98,000 local assemblies, according to figures provided by the organisers.
The opening ceremony also featured special presentations to President Mahama, First Lady Lordina Mahama and former Malawian President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera in recognition of their positions of influence as members of the denomination.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Espenezer Webonga
