UK- based Ghanaian philanthropist donates to Offinso Muslim communities, lauds nation’s interfaith harmony:

Mr. Richard Agyare, a UK-based Ghanaian peace advocate and philanthropist, has made a significant donation to Muslim communities in the Offinso Municipality as part of Eid al-Fitr (Eid Fast break) celebrations, while simultaneously praising Ghana’s remarkable Christian-Muslim coexistence and urging its continued cultivation.

The donations, which included bags of rice, boxes of cooking oil, and a substantial amount of money, were distributed on Mr. Agyare’s behalf by a delegation led by Hon. David Boakye Ansah, the Agyei-Mprah Assemblyman. The donation underscores Mr. Agyare’s commitment to fostering unity and supporting communities across religious lines.

Speaking during the ceremony marking his donation, Mr. Agyare highlighted the unique character of Ghana’s interfaith relations. He credited Ghana’s educational system for promoting inclusivity by comprehensively covering all religions practiced within the country through cultural studies, a core subject across all levels. “This approach ensures inclusivity and avoids any form of religious discrimination,” he noted. “Ghana, as a nation, upholds the principle of religious freedom, allowing individuals to practice their faith without impediment.”

Mr. Agyare then praised Ghana’s distinctive culture of tolerance, saying, “This freedom translates into a remarkable level of cohabitation, as evidenced by the common sight of Muslims and Christians sharing apartments, a phenomenon less frequently observed in other countries. I view Ghana as a beacon of peace, a nation that truly unifies its people, irrespective of their religious background.”

He further emphasized the collaborative nature of interfaith relations in Ghana, observing, “Our unique characteristic is that Christians often invite Muslims to participate in their events, and vice versa. We foster religious associations that bring together Muslims and Christians in a spirit of collaboration.”

Urging future generations to embrace this legacy, Mr. Agyare emphasized the need for continued collaboration and that, “Ghana has consistently championed unity and harmony. Religious affiliation is not a barrier; we actively collaborate. This ethos reflects our upbringing and is something we actively encourage and empower in the youth, the future leaders of our nation. We urge them to embrace this spirit and to continue working together in unity and harmony, transcending religious divides to propel Ghana forward.”

Drawing from personal experience, he illustrated the seamless integration of faith within Ghanaian families. “To illustrate this, my senior brother was married to a Muslim woman, and they lived together harmoniously until his passing. We continue to care for their children, some of whom practice Christianity while others practice Islam. We do not discriminate, we embrace them as a unified family.”

Mr. Agyare reaffirmed his dedication to fostering harmony throughout Ghanaian society and that, “This is the vision I uphold, and I am committed to ensuring that this unity endures. In all aspects of my life, I strive to bring people together, acknowledging their differences, and encouraging them to collaborate on ideas that strengthen our country and community. My motivation for fostering youth engagement is to dispel the notion that religious or regional affiliation should be a barrier to collaboration. I aspire to see them working together, contributing to Ghana’s progress. That is the inspiration and driving force behind all my endeavors.”

His generous donation to the Muslim communities in Offinso serves as a tangible demonstration of his commitment to these principles.