Accra, Ghana — The Coalition of National Zongo Political Groupings has condemned the threat of death contained in a viral social media video involving an unnamed Ghanaian Islamic cleric, describing the reported remarks as inconsistent with Ghana’s tradition of religious tolerance, peace and coexistence.
The Coalition’s Policy Analyst, Alhassan Abdallah Musah, condemned the reported statement in which the cleric suggested that Muslims should kill anyone who insults Prophet Muhammad.
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| The Coalition’s Policy Analyst, Alhassan Abdallah Musah |
Mr. Musah stressed that the identity of the cleric had not been independently established and that the Coalition did not endorse or support threats of violence against persons of any faith.
According to him, such remarks are “un-Ghanaian” and have no place in a country known for its peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
“Ghana is a peace-loving country. We do not promote religious extremism. Our strength lies in tolerance, peaceful coexistence and unity despite our religious differences,” Mr. Musah said.
He described the reported statement as being in bad taste and urged Muslims who may have supported the alleged remarks to reflect on the teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad, whom he described as a messenger of peace who would not advocate the killing of people in his name.
Mr. Musah also condemned attacks against people because of their religious beliefs, stressing that Ghanaians belong to one nation despite practising different faiths.
“It is one Ghana, but different faiths. We are like a tree with many branches, but we remain one tree.”
He called on religious leaders, community leaders and young people to reject messages capable of provoking religious hatred, retaliation or violence.
Extremism Has No Place in Islam
Also speaking on the issue, Mr. Alhassan Salifu, Founder of the Alhassan Salifu Muslim Community Centre in Kumasi, said extremism and violence have no place in Islam.
He urged preachers in mosques and churches, as well as bloggers and social media commentators, to use their platforms to promote messages that strengthen unity, peace and community development rather than division and violence.
According to Mr. Salifu, religious leaders have a particular responsibility to ensure that their messages do not inflame tensions or encourage individuals to take the law into their own hands.
He encouraged Muslims and Christians alike to engage in respectful dialogue and to resolve disagreements through lawful and peaceful means.
The Coalition was established to promote unity among Zongo communities and to mobilise the general public against violence, intolerance and actions that threaten Ghana’s peace and social cohesion.
The Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to “one Ghana, different faiths, one people”, stressing that religious diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.