Ghana's Christian Council chairman, Bishop Dr Agyei Lawson, has urged religious leaders to safeguard peace and promote tolerance in the face of recent religious tensions. The appeal comes after a viral video sparked strong reactions and raised concerns about the potential impact on Ghana's longstanding interfaith relations.
Bishop Lawson's Call to Action
Bishop Lawson made the appeal on Friday, August 14, at an engagement between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Police Management Board (POMAB), and religious leaders. He emphasized the importance of treating Ghana's religious diversity as a source of strength and not division.
"Ghana is a nation blessed with religious diversity, and our ability to live together in peace remains one of our greatest strengths," he said. The Christian Council chairman urged religious leaders and their followers to reject conduct capable of deepening religious divisions.
"We therefore encourage all of us to reject intolerance, hate speech, provocation, and violence," he said. Rather than responding to provocative remarks with retaliation, he called for dialogue and mutual respect. "Instead, promote dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence," he added.
A Shared National Identity
Bishop Lawson also urged religious leaders to remind their followers of their shared national identity. He said that religious affiliation should not overshadow the common citizenship that binds Ghanaians together.
"Let us continue to remind ourselves and our congregations and followers that regardless of our faith and traditions, we are first and foremost Ghanaians," he said. "Our diversity should unite us and not divide us."
Partnership with the Police
Bishop Lawson commended the Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno for convening the engagement with religious leaders. He thanked the IGP for what he described as positive and constructive remarks earlier in the meeting.
"Thanks to the IGP for calling this engagement and the positive and constructive remarks he made earlier on," he said. The meeting, he suggested, demonstrated the importance of dialogue between the police and religious institutions when dealing with issues that could affect national peace and security.
A Call for Cooperation
Bishop Lawson urged religious authorities to deepen their partnership with the police, particularly in preventing tensions from escalating. He suggested that such cooperation could involve religious leaders using their platforms to promote responsible citizenship and discourage their followers from engaging in inflammatory or violent conduct.
"While the police can investigate alleged offences and enforce the law, religious leaders have significant influence over how communities interpret events and respond to controversy," he said. He urged leaders to recognize that their words can either calm communities or contribute to heightened tensions.
"Through faith and responsible citizenship, we can preserve the peace that our nation enjoys," he said.
Source: Joy Online
