Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunu, has issued a vital call to religious leaders to actively champion peace and mitigate religious conflict within Ghana. Addressing a meeting at the National Police Headquarters, IGP Yohunu underscored the crucial role religious leaders play in safeguarding the nation’s tranquility, particularly by influencing the behavior and attitudes of young people. He specifically urged religious leaders to utilize their platforms to educate congregations about the dangers of religious strife and the importance of resolving disputes through lawful means. The IGP stated that religious leaders must dedicate their sermons to messages of peace, self-control, and interfaith understanding. He emphasized that Muslim and Christian leaders should utilize Friday and Sunday services to publicly denounce religious intolerance and conflict, urging them to demonstrate unity through public gatherings. The IGP further advocated for religious leaders to actively participate in joint community events, such as sharing meals and engaging with communities, thereby signaling a message that religious diversity is not a source of division. He cautioned against the potential for violence and instability, reminding congregations that an attack on Ghana’s peace would be a direct assault on future generations. The IGP stressed the importance of religious leaders upholding the statutory justice system and discouraging attempts to take the law into their own hands, urging them to teach their followers that allegations of wrongdoing should be handled through state institutions rather than through mob action or online abuse. He warned that Ghana must not take its peace for granted, referencing past instances of tensions escalating into civil strife in neighboring West African nations. The IGP pointed to the fact that small disputes could quickly spiral into major conflicts if not addressed through dialogue and peaceful means. He asserted that previous generations chose cooperation over violence, which has been instrumental in maintaining Ghana’s relative peace. The IGP concluded by urging religious leaders to use this engagement as an opportunity to end hostility and reinforce confidence in the law, stating that ‘this meeting marks the end of hostility’ and emphasizing the need for a clear reminder that the law works. The meeting was convened to help end hostility and reinforce confidence in the law.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
