President John Dramani Mahama has called on world leaders involved in the escalating Middle East conflict to prioritise diplomacy over violence, warning of the growing humanitarian toll on civilians.
Speaking during Eid-al-Fitr celebrations at Independence Square on Friday, 20 March, the President expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, including women and children, as fighting intensifies across the region.
“As we celebrate today, we cannot ignore the pain and suffering that is going on in other parts of the world… innocent lives, including women and children, are being lost. Families have been displaced, and communities have been shattered,” he said.
President Mahama directly appealed to key figures at the centre of the conflict, including Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and Mojtaba Khamenei, urging them to demonstrate leadership by ending hostilities.
“May Allah touch the hearts of the leaders… so that this war will come to an end,” he stated.
Addressing thousands of worshippers, the President urged Muslims and Ghanaians to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace and relief for affected populations.
“Let us pray for comfort for bereaved families, healing for the injured, and relief for those in distress. Above all, let us pray for wisdom for the leaders of the countries involved to choose dialogue over war,” he said.
Referencing Islamic teachings, President Mahama underscored the sanctity of human life, stressing the need for compassion and unity in times of conflict.
“The Holy Quran teaches us that saving one life is as if saving all of humanity. We must never lose sight of our shared humanity,” he noted.
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding commitment to peace, justice and adherence to international law, stating that the country will continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions to conflicts worldwide.
“Ghana remains committed to the principles of peace and will continue to lend its voice to the pursuit of a peaceful resolution, not only in the Middle East but in conflicts around the world,” he added.
The remarks formed part of this year’s Eid-al-Fitr observance in Accra, where national leaders joined the Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan while reflecting on global peace and unity.
