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🇬🇭 Ghana /Culture & Society

IGP Calls for Peace as Religious Leaders Unite to Calm Tensions

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Ghana's Inspector-General of Police met with religious leaders to address rising national tensions.
  • The meeting followed recent religious controversies, including an incident where a pastor was allegedly slapped.
  • Leaders called for dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and responsible speech to maintain national unity and counter hateful rhetoric.

Ghana's Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, convened a crucial meeting with religious leaders at the National Police Headquarters, urging for peace and unity amidst rising national tensions. The gathering, also attended by the Police Management Board, aimed to de-escalate recent religious controversies that have caused public concern.

Hurling insults at what millions hold holy and stoking interfaith hostility does not reflect the character of Christ.

— Christian Tetteh YohunoThe Inspector-General of Police urged religious leaders to counter hateful rhetoric.

The discussions were prompted by incidents that have strained interfaith harmony, including a recent case where a pastor was allegedly assaulted. While acknowledging that arrests have been made and individuals are on bail, IGP Yohuno emphasized that legal action alone is insufficient. He stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful coexistence, imploring Christian and Muslim leaders to leverage their influence to promote unity and counter divisive rhetoric.

Any attack on the unity of this country is an attack on the future of our children. Show the youth that the diversity of faith is our strength.

— Christian Tetteh YohunoThe IGP called on Ghanaians to protect the nation's unity.

Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, reinforced the call for responsible communication, highlighting the need for language that fosters peace and development. He noted the proactive engagements undertaken following the pastor-Imam controversy. In a powerful display of reconciliation, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, brought together the key figures involved in the recent dispute, the Imam, the pastor, and the individual who slapped him. The three men embraced, symbolizing a commitment to moving past the conflict.

When the issue between the pastor, the Imam and the man who slapped the pastor came up, we didn’t sit down. We had a lot of engagements. I encourage Ghanaians to use language that promotes peace and development, and to be mindful of what we say on media.

— Elvis Afriyie AnkrahThe Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies spoke about the need for responsible speech.

Lawmakers also underscored the nation's long history of religious harmony. Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, reminded the public that Muslims and Christians have coexisted peacefully for generations and urged against allowing any disturbances to disrupt this unity. The collective message from the police, religious leaders, and government officials stressed that Ghana's strength lies in its diversity of faith and that protecting national unity is paramount for the future.

Muslims and Christians have lived in peace for a very long time. We have not had any disturbances, and we should not allow it to ever happen.

— Rev. Ntim FordjourThe Member of Parliament for Assin South reminded the nation of its history of harmony.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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