Muslim Committee Calls for Calm Over Recent Religious Utterances
The Muslim Peace and Reconciliation Committee under the Office of the Ashanti Regional Imam has appealed to Muslims, Christians and the general public to remain calm and exercise restraint following recent religious utterances that have generated tension on social media.
The Committee said the controversy, which centres on remarks concerning Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), should not be allowed to threaten Ghana’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan, and Secretary, Sheikh Burhan Babal Waiz, the Committee clarified that an earlier viral video involving an Imam had allegedly been directed at a particular pastor who was said to have repeatedly made provocative comments about the Prophet.
According to the Committee, the comments were not directed at the pastor whose recent remarks have gone viral and attracted widespread public attention.
The Committee acknowledged the anger and disappointment the developments may have caused among Muslims but urged all parties to avoid retaliation, inflammatory statements and actions that could further heighten tensions.
It stressed that differences in religious beliefs and opinions should be addressed through dialogue, mutual respect and appropriate legal and institutional channels.
Fake Social Media Post
The Committee has also dismissed as fake a social media post purportedly issued by the Office of the Ashanti Regional Imam calling for the arrest of the pastor involved in the controversy.
It urged the public to disregard the post and refrain from sharing it, warning that the circulation of unverified information could create further misunderstanding and unnecessarily inflame tensions.
The Committee advised social media users to verify the authenticity of statements before publishing or circulating them.
Appeal to Social Media Users
The Committee has further appealed to bloggers, social media activists, influencers and commentators to desist from provocative discussions, speculation and inflammatory commentary on the matter.
It said continued heated exchanges could deepen divisions and undermine ongoing efforts by religious leaders and other stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution.
The Committee therefore urged social media commentators to exercise restraint and allow the relevant authorities and religious leaders to engage in dialogue.
Security Agencies Urged to Act
The Committee has also called on security agencies to be swift, firm and impartial in responding to religious utterances or activities capable of threatening the peace and security of the country.
It acknowledged the importance of freedom of religion and expression but stressed that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and with respect for the rights, dignity and religious sensitivities of others.
The Committee disclosed that dialogue was ongoing with various religious groups and relevant stakeholders to find a peaceful way forward.
It urged religious leaders and social media influencers to use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance, mutual respect and national unity.
“Let peace reign. Let dialogue prevail over confrontation, and let responsible communication prevail over provocation,” the Committee appealed.
It further reminded Ghanaians that preserving the country’s peace and religious harmony was a collective responsibility and urged everyone to reject retaliation and embrace dialogue.
