Gomoa fetteh: President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians not to take religious freedom for granted, emphasizing the need for pastors, imams, and religious leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements and social media usage. This caution was issued during his first public comment on a recent dispute between a Muslim cleric and a Christian pastor that escalated from online insults to arrests and a physical assault while in custody.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama addressed the issue during the 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region. He highlighted that the incident serves as a reminder that the nation's tradition of religious tolerance should not be taken for granted. The President described the comments and subsequent physical assault attributed to both religious figures as unfortunate and stressed the need to prevent such incidents from defining interfaith relations in Ghana.
President Mahama noted the historical peaceful coexistence among Christians, Muslims, and other faiths in Ghana, pointing out their shared experiences in families, schools, workplaces, and public institutions. He emphasized that this peaceful coexistence is a crucial national asset that must be protected.
The President reminded the public that while the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and expression, these freedoms do not permit the insult of others' faiths, incitement of violence, or taking the law into one's own hands. He reiterated that religious conviction should not become religious provocation, and disagreements should not lead to hatred, intimidation, or assault.
Quoting the Bible, President Mahama urged all to "live at peace with everyone," noting that reckless statements from religious platforms or online could quickly escalate tensions and cause unintended harm. He praised the efforts of Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector General of Police, and religious leaders like Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, for their role in promoting reconciliation among those involved in the incident.