Faith and Development: UN Interfaith Engagement in Ghana

Ghana has long been recognised as one of West Africa's most stable and religiously diverse countries, where Muslims, Christians, and traditionalist have coexisted peacefully for generations. This harmony has been sustained through continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and the deliberate efforts of leaders who recognise that social cohesion must be actively nurtured and maintained.

In line with this vision, and to explore how the UN and faith institutions can work more closely together to strengthen social cohesion, conflict prevention, and sustainable development, the United Nations in Ghana recently met with the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana, one of the country’s leading ecumenical umbrella organisations. The conversation reflected a shared understanding that religious leaders occupy a unique position in Ghanaian society, trusted by their communities and capable of reaching people in ways that formal institutions often cannot. The UN commended the Christian Council for its continuous work in humanitarian service, peacebuilding, and outreach. Both institutions expressed their commitment to work together for the good of humanity.

Earlier, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, later paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, widely respected as a symbol of peace and interfaith dialogue. The Chief Imam emphasised that shared humanity lies at the heart of peaceful coexistence, encouraging mutual respect, love for one another, and harmony across faiths and generations. Mr. Choudhury expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Chief Imam and acknowledged the strength of Ghana’s interfaith harmony, noting that it has been sustained through the dedication and leadership of the country’s faith leaders.

Building on that partnership, the United Nations in Ghana on Monday, 2 March 2026, hosted its first-ever interfaith Iftar dinner during Ramadan. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Office of the National Chief Imam, members of the diplomatic community, and heads of UN agencies. The gathering carried deep meaning, symbolising unity across religious traditions and using the Iftar to celebrate Ghana’s spirit of openness and respect.

Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, highlighted the importance of creating spaces where people from different faiths can engage and build relationships. He pointed to Ghana’s example as one that carries lessons for a world where religious and cultural differences are increasingly used to drive division. Ghana’s approach, he noted, demonstrates that diversity can be a source of social strength rather than fragility.

Religious leaders at the gathering echoed this view. Representatives from the Christian Council, the Catholic Church, and the Office of the National Chief Imam each emphasised that dialogue and collaboration among faith communities are central to peace. They noted that the relationships built in ordinary times are precisely what hold societies together when tensions arise.

The interfaith Iftar and the Resident Coordinator’s engagement with the Christian Council reflect a broader commitment by the United Nations in Ghana to work with faith communities as key partners in development. Through these partnerships, the UN seeks to strengthen social cohesion, amplify development messages, and support communities in navigating challenging moments. Ghana’s model of interfaith cooperation, rooted in daily practice and reinforced by deliberate leadership, stands as a compelling example for other countries confronting similar challenges.