Security agencies urged to act against religious hate speech

Adib Saani, Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, has called on security agencies to take decisive action against religious hate speech in Ghana. He expressed concern that inflammatory religious statements may exacerbate tensions, incite retaliation and erode peaceful relations among religious communities.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Saani emphasized the necessity of the police's recent invitation of an Imam to aid investigations into allegedly intolerant remarks he made. He believed the invitation should have come sooner. Describing the Imam's comments as dangerous, Mr Saani stated that religious matters are highly sensitive, and statements by religious leaders can profoundly affect their followers.

He pointed out that comments perceived as attacks on religious beliefs could provoke retaliation and counter-retaliation, potentially escalating into broader communal tensions. Drawing from Nigeria's experiences, including the case of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf, Mr Saani warned of the dire consequences of not addressing inflammatory religious rhetoric promptly.

He urged authorities to investigate thoroughly and, if offenses are proven, to enforce the law as a deterrent against hate or extremist speech. Mr Saani emphasized that religious leaders wield significant influence, and their pronouncements are often considered authoritative by followers. He cautioned that inflammatory statements might be seen by some as a green light for violence, creating tensions between religious communities.

He noted that an apology from the Imam did not satisfactorily address the concerns, particularly when religious teachings were used to justify violent responses to alleged insults against religious figures. Saani asserted that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly, especially on religious matters, and urged discerning between legitimate criticism and inciting, hate, intimidation, or harassment.

He acknowledged that some individuals had made repeated provocative comments against Muslims, urging a broader discussion on religious tolerance and responsible speech. Cautioning that there is a fine line between tolerance and free speech, Saani reminded that people can express their views but must respect others' emotional sensitivities.

He highlighted Ghana's largely peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians, despite occasional challenges, and cautioned against actions that could undermine religious harmony. Saani called on religious leaders and their followers to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, reminding that the Prophet Muhammad did not instruct Muslims to kill those who insulted him.

Drawing from his own experience of growing up with a Muslim father who sent him to Christian mission schools, Saani stressed the longstanding cooperation between the two faiths, urging Ghanaians to safeguard this harmony as a foundation for national peace and development.