The National Peace Council has called on Ghanaians to respect diverse perspectives and embrace the richness of differing ideas to promote national unity and development.

The call was made by Reverend Father. Dr Anthony Naah, a Member of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, during an Eid al-Fitr celebration in Kumasi.

He said unity in diversity remained a critical ingredient for peaceful coexistence, stressing that Ghana’s social, cultural, and religious differences should serve as a source of strength rather than division.

Rev. Fr. Dr Naah noted that religion, when properly practised, promotes love, tolerance, and harmony and should not be used as a tool for division or extremism.

He urged citizens to uphold the values of mutual respect, dialogue, fairness, and compassion in their daily interactions, especially in the face of growing global tensions, hate speech and divisive tendencies amplified through technology.

“Respect for diverse views and the willingness to accommodate differing opinions are essential for national cohesion and sustainable development,” he said.

Touching on the theme for the celebration, “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Unity in Diversity,” Rev. Fr. Dr Naah described it as timely, given emerging security concerns in parts of West Africa and the need for Ghana to safeguard its peace.

He cautioned that violent extremism and intolerance, particularly when driven by religious or ideological differences, posed a serious threat to national stability.

The Peace Council member emphasised that no religion advocated violence, adding that all faiths promoted peaceful coexistence, generosity, hospitality, and respect for authority.

He, therefore, called for collective efforts among citizens, religious leaders and institutions to build trust, strengthen relationships, and foster unity across religious and ethnic lines.

Rev. Fr. Dr Naah also encouraged Ghanaians to use occasions such as Eid-ul-Fitr to deepen relationships with neighbours, colleagues, and people of other faiths through acts of kindness and cooperation.

He urged the public to celebrate responsibly and to continue embodying the virtues of peace, patience, tolerance, and compassion, as taught during the holy month of Ramadan.