Ghana’s Muslim leaders caution public against amplifying provocative religious content
Accra: Muslim leaders have cautioned the public against sharing, reposting or reacting to provocative religious content circulating on social media, warning that such actions could heighten tensions and threaten Ghana’s peace and stability.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osumanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and the National Leadership of Ahlussuna Wal Jama’a made the call in separate statements following the circulation of a video in which a religious preacher is alleged to have made remarks advocating violence against persons who insult or make derogatory comments about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The National Chief Imam urged Muslims and members of other faith communities to remain calm and refrain from engaging with provocative materials in ways that could further inflame tensions.
He said religious disagreements, offensive expressions or alleged insults should not be addressed through violence or vigilantism but through lawful and constitutionally recognised processes.
Sheikh Sharubutu also cautioned religious preachers, scholars and teachers to exercise circumspection, responsibility and restraint in their public utterances, particularly when addressing sensitive religious matters.
He said religious teachings should be grounded in sound knowledge and communicated in ways that promoted peace, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The National Chief Imam further urged religious leaders to be mindful of the potential national security implications of their utterances and to avoid expressions that could be misunderstood or exploited to incite hatred, violence or public disorder.
Ahlussuna Wal Jama’a, for its part, said Muslims’ reverence for the Holy Prophet should not lead individuals to take the law into their hands.
It urged the Muslim community and the wider public to deal with perceived insults or provocations calmly and wisely, stressing that concerns over offensive or unlawful statements should be referred to the appropriate authorities.
The group also called on imams, scholars, preachers and teachers to exercise wisdom and responsibility in their preaching, particularly when addressing sensitive religious issues.
It said religious guidance should encourage positive character, patience, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The preacher’s subsequent apology received acknowledgement from both Muslim authorities.
The National Chief Imam appreciated the expression of regret and the recognition of Ghana’s constitutional order and the need to preserve national peace and security.
Ahlussuna described the apology as an opportunity to promote greater responsibility in public religious discourse, reminding religious leaders that their words carried influence and could either calm a situation or worsen it.
The two Muslim authorities reaffirmed their commitment to peace, religious tolerance, mutual respect, national unity and the rule of law.
They urged Ghanaians to exercise restraint and ensure that religious differences remained a source of dialogue and understanding rather than division and conflict.
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