The Ghana Police Service will not hesitate to clamp down on religious bigotry and inciting content capable of threatening the country’s peace and religious harmony, especially on social media, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has warned.
He said the warning followed the arrest of a pastor and an imam over allegedly religiously inciting comments made on social media.
The IGP gave the warning at a meeting between the Police Service and religious leaders at the Police Headquarters on Friday, August 14.
He assured the religious leaders that the Police would take steps to prevent activities capable of threatening religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country.
IGP Yohuno cautioned that seemingly isolated acts of religious intolerance could escalate if left unchecked, potentially undermining the country’s peace and stability.
“May this matter serve as a clear reminder that the law works. We have seen nations where small sparks were allowed to fester until they grew into civil strife, destroying communities, markets, schools and places of worship,” he said.
“Ghana has been spared this tragedy not because we are immune to disagreement but because generations before us chose dialogue over destruction and brotherhood over hate,” he added.
The IGP urged religious leaders and the public to promote tolerance and dialogue while using social media responsibly to avoid content that could inflame religious tensions.
“Let us leave this hall today united in purpose, to guide our peace and to honour our Creator through our love for one another and to ensure Ghana remains a beacon of light,” he said.
