Ghana Must Not Allow Religious Provocation to Disturb Its Peace
Ghana’s long tradition of religious harmony must not be taken for granted. Extremism, provocation and reckless social-media rhetoric must never be allowed to divide the country.
Ghana has enjoyed religious harmony for generations. Christians, Muslims and traditionalists live in the same communities, attend the same schools, work in the same institutions and, in many cases, belong to the same families. However, recent developments remind us that this peace must never be taken for granted.
The controversy began after a Christian pastor allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammed. An imam subsequently made statements reportedly calling for violence against anyone who insulted the Prophet. The situation became even more disturbing when the pastor was assaulted while in police custody.
The Ghana Police Service has since arrested the pastor and the imam in connection with their respective statements. The man captured assaulting the pastor has also been arrested, while the National Chief Imam has publicly condemned the call for violence.
These actions are important because no individual should be permitted to hide behind religion or freedom of expression to provoke violence.
Let us be clear: insulting another person’s religion is wrong. Calling for someone to be killed in response is equally unacceptable. Physically attacking a person who is already in police custody is also unlawful and cannot be justified as a defence of religion.
Two wrongs do not make a right, and religious disagreements must never be settled through threats, assault or retaliation.
The growing number of provocative videos circulating on TikTok, Facebook and other social media platforms should be a major concern for the government and security agencies. Some content creators appear more interested in gaining views and followers than considering the possible consequences of their statements.
Having worked with the National Media Commission and undertaken training in conflict and crisis management at the Ghana Armed Forces Staff Command College, I understand how quickly inflammatory communication can transform an isolated disagreement into widespread violence. Some conflicts in Africa have been intensified by irresponsible reporting, exaggeration and messages designed to provoke retaliation. Social media now makes that danger even greater because one inflammatory video can reach thousands of people within minutes.
The government must therefore act swiftly against anyone issuing credible threats, inciting religious violence or encouraging attacks. This should not be used as an excuse to suppress legitimate public discussion. However, freedom of expression does not include the freedom to encourage people to harm others.
The National Peace Council, the National Chief Imam, the Christian Council, traditional leaders, media organisations and other relevant institutions must work together to reduce the tension. Religious leaders should also remind their followers that the misconduct of one individual does not represent an entire faith.
Christianity is not the problem. Islam is not the problem. The real danger is extremism, provocation and the reckless use of social media to spread anger.
Ghanaians must refuse to allow the actions of a few individuals to divide the country along religious lines. We have lived together peacefully for generations, and we must protect that valuable heritage.
We may worship differently, but we share one country. Before we are Christians, Muslims or traditionalists, we are Ghanaians—and Ghana’s peace must come first.
