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Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid to Deliver 2026 Danquah Institute Liberty Lecture on Ghana’s Multifaith Heritage
The Danquah Institute is set to host Islamic scholar, academic, politician and former Minister of State, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Liberty Lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Ridge Arena, Alisa Hotel, Ridge, Accra.
The lecture, which forms part of the Institute’s Liberty Lecture Series, will be held under the theme: “One Nation, Many Faiths: Emerging Threats to Religious Tolerance in Ghana.”
Dr Abdul-Hamid is expected to use the lecture to examine Ghana’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and the values that have enabled Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths to coexist peacefully over generations.
According to the Danquah Institute, Ghana, although predominantly Christian, has developed an admirable multifaith society built on mutual respect and the equal participation of different religious communities in national life.
The Institute says this culture of tolerance has become an important part of Ghana’s national identity and provides a model of interfaith harmony for Africa and the wider world.
Dr Abdul-Hamid will explore the historical, cultural and constitutional foundations of Ghana’s religious tolerance, with particular attention to the country’s secular state, shared institutions, everyday relationships and common values that have allowed Ghanaians to place their national identity above religious differences.
The lecture will also examine emerging developments and narratives that could threaten Ghana’s multifaith heritage.
Drawing on principles and teachings from the world’s major religions, as well as Ghana’s rich mix of traditions, customs and values, Dr Abdul-Hamid is expected to challenge prejudices, misconceptions and false notions about religious communities.
The Danquah Institute said the lecture will ultimately make a call for continued vigilance in protecting Ghana’s atmosphere of religious tolerance, peace and harmony.
“The central message of this year’s Liberty Lecture Series is that although the lamps may be many, the light is one and Ghana’s unity and progress depend upon safeguarding the mutual respect and shared values that have sustained its multifaith society,” Mansa Williams Esq., Secretary of the Danquah Institute, said.
Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid is an accomplished Islamic scholar, academic and public intellectual who has served Ghana in several senior public positions.
His previous roles include serving as Minister for Information and Minister for Inner-City and Zongo Development.
The 2026 Liberty Lecture will be chaired by Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Addow Obeng, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, former President of Central University and former President of Presbyterian University.
Event details
Event: 2026 Liberty Lecture
Theme: One Nation, Many Faiths: Emerging Threats to Religious Tolerance in Ghana
Speaker: Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid (PhD)
Chair: Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Addow Obeng
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Venue: Ridge Arena, Alisa Hotel, Ridge, Accra
Guests are expected to arrive from 4:00 p.m., with all attendees required to be seated by 4:30 p.m.
The Danquah Institute has provided 050 553 3642 as the RSVP contact for the event.
The lecture is expected to bring together academics, religious leaders, public officials, members of civil society and other stakeholders to reflect on the importance of preserving Ghana’s tradition of peaceful religious coexistence.
The Institute says protecting this heritage will require continued commitment to mutual respect, shared national values and peaceful engagement among Ghana’s various religious communities.