Religious leaders call for calm over tensions
Religious leaders have called for calm, restraint and tolerance following recent incidents that heightened religious tensions in Ghana, urging Christians and Muslims to protect the country’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence. They cautioned against allowing provocative statements, hate speech, violence and isolated incidents to develop into wider religious conflict, stressing that…
Religious leaders in Ghana have urged citizens to maintain calm and tolerance amid heightened religious tensions. Speaking in Accra, the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, met with religious leaders including the National Chief Imam and the Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana to discuss recent incidents that threatened interfaith relations.
The three individuals involved in the incidents have been arrested and granted bail, with investigations ongoing. Yohuno emphasized that violence and vigilante justice are not alternatives to the rule of law, and appealed for religious leaders to use their moral authority to calm tensions and promote peaceful coexistence. He reminded Muslims to respond to offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad with wisdom, patience, and peaceful engagement, while reminding Christians that freedom of expression should not justify insulting others' beliefs.
The National Chief Imam called on Ghanaians to protect the country’s interfaith harmony, highlighting that religious diversity is meant to foster understanding rather than conflict. The Christian Council of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and unity, urging the youth to reject conflict and embrace tolerance. Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ethnic Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, commended the police for their swift response and urged firm, lawful action against religious offences without discrimination, cautioning against politicizing the incidents or using them to divide the country.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
