Zango Institute for Development condemns religious incitement, assault; calls for calm and due process

The Zango Institute for Development (ZID) has condemned recent religiously inciteful statements attributed to Apostle Yaw Junior Daniel Adjei and Imam Masud Abdullai, warning that such remarks could create tension, misunderstanding and division between Muslims and Christians in Ghana.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026 and signed by its Executive director Abdul Hameed Issah Larry, the organisation said it was concerned about the potential impact of the statements on Ghana’s long-standing religious harmony.

ZID noted that Imam Masud Abdullai has since apologised and that both individuals were arrested by the Ghana Police Service for further investigation.

The organisation, however, expressed particular concern over a viral video allegedly showing Apostle Yaw Junior Daniel Adjei being subjected to physical force and pressure in connection with efforts to secure an apology from him after he reportedly initially refused to apologise for comments considered derogatory towards Prophet Muhammad.

ZID said any allegation of assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly, fairly and impartially by the appropriate authorities.

It stressed that any apology, reconciliation or dispute-resolution process must be voluntary, respectful and free from intimidation, coercion, assault or undue pressure.

The organisation maintained that while religious incitement in all forms must be condemned, assault, intimidation, coercion and mob or vigilante-class responses cannot be accepted as legitimate ways of addressing religious grievances.

ZID said disagreements of this nature should instead be addressed through dialogue, accountability, mutual respect, due process and the rule of law.

It urged Ghanaians, particularly religious and community leaders, to remain calm, reject provocation and refrain from inflammatory commentary that could escalate tensions.

The organisation further appealed to Muslims and Christians not to allow the actions or statements of individuals to undermine the peaceful relationship that has historically existed between the two religious communities in Ghana.

ZID also called on the Ghana Police Service to handle the matter professionally, impartially and with the utmost sensitivity.

It urged the Police to thoroughly establish the facts surrounding the statements, the reported assault and the subsequent events, while ensuring that all parties are treated fairly.

The organisation called on the Police to take appropriate action in accordance with the laws of Ghana and work to prevent further escalation.

ZID stressed that preserving Ghana’s religious harmony requires collective responsibility from religious leaders, community actors and citizens.

It urged all parties to prioritise peace, restraint and national unity while allowing the appropriate institutions to establish the facts and determine the way forward.

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