Ghana Police Chief Urges Religious Leaders to Prevent Violence
IGP warns attacks on peace threaten children's future, calls for sermons promoting harmony and lawful reporting of offences.
IGP warns attacks on peace threaten children's future, calls for sermons promoting harmony and lawful reporting of offences.
· Updated
Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu has called on religious leaders to use their influence to prevent religious tensions and violence, stating that any attack on Ghana’s peace endangers the future of the country’s children. He made these remarks during an engagement with religious leaders at the National Police Headquarters on Friday, August 14.
The IGP emphasized that citizens must not take the law into their own hands but should report offences to state institutions. He stressed that no civilized society can survive when individuals resort to extrajudicial actions.
Yohunu highlighted the need to protect freedom of religion and expression while clarifying that these freedoms do not justify violence. He referenced Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which restricts speech inciting religious hatred.
He appealed specifically to Christian and Muslim leaders to use sermons and social media to promote interfaith harmony and discourage violence, especially among young people. Yohunu urged visible cooperation between faith leaders, such as joint statements and public unity demonstrations.
The police chief warned that religious leaders' messages could either prevent or worsen conflicts. He asked them to dedicate sermons to themes of self-control and the dangers of religious strife, reminding congregations of violence's consequences for future generations.
FAQ
What did the IGP say about reporting offences?
He insisted that citizens must report alleged crimes to statutory authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.
How did the IGP ask religious leaders to cooperate?
He called for visible unity between Christian and Islamic leaders, including joint statements and public demonstrations of harmony.
