Frimpong-Manso Institute calls for unity, tolerance and renewed commitment ahead of 2026
Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, President of FMI
The Frimpong-Manso Institute (FMI) has called on Ghanaians to strengthen national unity, promote tolerance, and recommit themselves to peace and democratic values as the country prepares to enter the year 2026.
In a Christmas and New Year message issued on Monday, December 22, 2025, and signed by the President of FMI, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, alongside Rev. COP Dr. David Ampah-Bennin, Thematic Chair for Media, Security and Cyber Security, and Dr. Affail Monney, FMI Fellow, the Institute expressed gratitude to God for sustaining Ghana through the year.
“We are united in gratitude with all Ghanaians to the God of all grace who lavished His grace on us in 2025,” the statement said, noting that despite isolated flashpoints, skirmishes and fatalities in parts of the country, Ghana’s overall peace had endured.
The Institute acknowledged emerging security challenges, particularly following the presentation of the report on the Bawku conflict, but emphasized that these had not undermined the nation’s democratic foundations. According to FMI, Ghana’s stability stands out in sharp contrast to the growing wave of military coups and political instability in West Africa.
“Ghana’s peaceful status and democratic credentials assume more significance when viewed against recent developments in West Africa, now tagged as the epicentre of military coups and political instability,” the statement noted.
FMI urged political leaders and citizens alike to draw lessons from the democratic decline in neighbouring countries, stressing the need to curb intolerance and growing tensions in public discourse and parliamentary proceedings.
“Intolerance leads to infighting, violence and instability. We pray that in 2026, we will visibly tolerate, accommodate, forgive and cooperate with one another in the supreme interest of national unity and stability,” the Institute stated.
On the economy, FMI called on government to ensure that recent signs of economic recovery translate into tangible benefits for citizens, including affordable housing, quality roads and decent employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
The Institute also expressed concern about the continued destruction of water bodies, forest reserves and farmlands through illegal mining activities, despite gains made under the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
“The new year must see a clearer verdict on the war against illegal mining and other forms of environmental plunder,” FMI stressed, while also calling for decisive action against gambling, cybercrime and indiscipline among the youth.
Encouraging productivity across all sectors, FMI appealed to workers—including traders, teachers, farmers, drivers, artisans and public servants—to redouble their efforts for national development.
Reflecting on the challenges of the year, the Institute expressed hope for a better future, stating that “the difficulties we experienced in our personal and national lives in 2025 must crystallize into glorious achievements in 2026.”
Quoting Proverbs 16:3, FMI urged Ghanaians to commit their plans to God, adding that prayer combined with determined action would guarantee positive outcomes.
“On behalf of the Fellows of FMI, we wish all Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,” the statement concluded.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Antwi Boasiako John, Kumasi.
