GhanaFest in Chicago: Reject politics of division – Opong-Fosu urges Ghanaians

Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) Board Chairman Akwasi Opong-Fosu has urged Ghanaians to reject politics of division and uphold national unity above partisan interests.

Speaking at the 37th Annual GhanaFest in Chicago, Illinois, under the theme “Connecting Communities through Culture and Commerce,” Mr. Opong-Fosu warned that growing political divisions risk undermining Ghana’s longstanding reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.

He noted that while political competition is essential in a democratic society, it should never come at the expense of national cohesion.

“Political competition, which should strengthen democracy, increasingly risks deepening divisions within our society. At times, political loyalties are beginning to overlap with ethnic and other social identities in ways that threaten our national cohesion,” he said.

Mr. Opong-Fosu stressed that no political interest should take precedence over the country’s unity, urging citizens at home and abroad to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“No political party is greater than Ghana. No election is more important than our national unity. No political victory is worth sacrificing the bonds that have held our nation together for generations,” he stated.

He therefore appealed to Ghanaians to reject intolerance and foster unity regardless of political affiliation or ethnic background.

“I therefore urge all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, to reject intolerance, reject hatred and reject the politics of division,” he said.

Addressing members of the Ghanaian community in Chicago, Mr. Opong-Fosu described the diaspora as a model of unity and encouraged them to continue demonstrating that people of different backgrounds can coexist peacefully.

“Here in Chicago, you represent a miniature Ghana. Continue to demonstrate that people from every region, every ethnic background and every political persuasion can live, work and celebrate together with mutual respect. Let your unity become an example for the nation we all love,” he said.

Mr. Opong-Fosu also called for a restoration of national values built on integrity, discipline, accountability and inclusion, arguing that these principles remain essential to Ghana’s long-term development and prosperity.