Presidential Envoy in charge of Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has urged Ghanaians to jealously protect the country’s religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He says Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful nation where people of different faiths live together in harmony is a legacy built over generations and must not be taken for granted.
Mr. Afriyie Ankrah was speaking at the Biennial Zonal Conference of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church held at Kasoa in the Central Region.
He cautioned against the use of religion to promote division, threats or violence, stressing that such acts must be rejected regardless of the religious or political group behind them.
He noted that Ghana’s interfaith harmony remains one of the country’s greatest strengths, pointing to the cordial relationship between Christians and Muslims as an example of the nation’s unique culture of tolerance.
According to him, it is common in Ghana to find Muslims participating in Christian programmes and Christians engaging in activities organised by Muslims a practice he says demonstrates the country’s strong tradition of religious coexistence.
Mr. Afriyie Ankrah further called on religious leaders and citizens to ensure that their faiths become instruments for peace, justice and respect for humanity rather than sources of conflict.
Quoting Christian and Islamic teachings, he said both religions promote love, peace and respect for others.
He therefore urged Ghanaians to unite across religious and political lines to safeguard the peace and stability of the country.
He stressed that anyone who seeks to undermine Ghana’s peace is ultimately acting against the national interest and the welfare of its people.
Mr. Afriyie Ankrah further called on the appropriate authorities to allow the law to take its course against persons who seek to incite others along religious lines.
He stressed that accountability must apply equally to everyone, regardless of whether the person involved is a Christian or a Muslim.
The Presidential Envoy reiterated that Ghana’s religious tolerance is a valuable national heritage that must be protected by all.
He urged religious leaders, political actors and the general public to promote dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, warning against actions that could undermine the country’s peace and stability.
He said Ghana’s faith communities must continue to see their respective religions as instruments for promoting peace, unity and respect for humanity rather than division and conflict.
Story by : Akora Kofi Darko
