Islamic scholar and former government minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid is set to deliver the 2026 Liberty Lecture organised by the Danquah Institute, with this year’s event focusing on threats to religious tolerance in Ghana.

The lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, at the Ridge Arena of Alisa Hotel in Accra, will be held under the theme, “One Nation, Many Faiths: Emerging Threats to Religious Tolerance in Ghana.”

Dr Abdul-Hamid, an academic and public intellectual who previously served as Minister for Information and Minister for Inner-City and Zongo Development, will examine Ghana’s history of religious coexistence and the values that have allowed different faith communities to live together peacefully.

According to the Danquah Institute, the lecture will explore the historical, cultural and constitutional foundations of Ghana’s multifaith society, including the country’s secular system and the shared institutions and values that have helped strengthen national unity.

The lecture will also consider emerging narratives and developments that could undermine the country’s tradition of religious tolerance.

Dr Abdul-Hamid is expected to draw on teachings from major religious traditions, as well as Ghana’s customs and cultural values, to challenge prejudices and misconceptions about religious communities.

The organisers say the lecture will emphasise the need 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,” said Mansa Williams, secretary of the Danquah Institute.

The event will be chaired by Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Addow Obeng, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and former president of Central University and Presbyterian University.

Guests are expected to arrive from 4 p.m. and must be seated by 4:30 p.m.

The lecture comes amid broader discussions in Ghana about preserving social cohesion and religious tolerance in a country where Christians, Muslims and adherents of traditional and other faiths coexist.

The 2026 Liberty Lecture will take place on Tuesday, 25 August, at the Ridge Arena, Alisa Hotel, Ridge, Accra. The event starts at 4 p.m., with all guests required to be seated by 4:30 p.m.