Interior Minister reaffirms commitment to protecting Ghana’s religious tolerance

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance, describing it as fundamental to the country’s peace and security.

He said Ghana’s Christian-Muslim harmony, built over decades, remained an important national asset that must be guarded against actions that could create division and undermine social cohesion.

Mr. Mubarak made the statement on Monday at an engagement with Christian and Muslim religious leaders in Accra, following a recent altercation between a pastor and an imam that generated public concern.

The Minister commended the Inspector General of Police, the National Chief Imam and Christian leaders for their swift intervention and maturity in containing the situation and preventing it from escalating.

“We saw leadership in action. The way our religious leaders and the Police Service handled the matter shows the level of understanding and tolerance that defines us as Ghanaians. That is what we must continue to protect,” he said.

Mr. Mubarak assured the religious leaders and the public that the Ministry of the Interior and the security services would remain neutral in dealing with matters of law and order, irrespective of the religious or social status of persons involved.

He said the security agencies would treat criminal acts as crime and deal with perpetrators in accordance with the law, without fear or favour.

“Crime will be treated as crime, and we will deal with perpetrators in accordance with the law, without fear or favour, to ensure that no one uses religion to undermine our peace,” he stated.

The Minister explained that the engagement was intended to express appreciation to the religious leaders for their timely intervention and continued support, while reaffirming the neutrality of the Ministry and the security agencies.

He said the meeting also provided an opportunity to seek the views of religious leaders on ways to strengthen religious tolerance and explore more effective collaboration to promote national unity.

Mr. Mubarak stressed that Ghana’s religious and cultural diversity should be regarded as a strength rather than a source of division.

“Our diversity is our strength. Let us guard it jealously so that Ghana remains a beacon of peace in the region,” he added.

The religious leaders commended the Minister for the continued stakeholder engagement, saying sustained dialogue among religious and state actors was essential to promoting peace, stability and peaceful coexistence.