The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Ghana has called on Christians, Muslims, traditional religious practitioners and other faith communities to exercise restraint and reject hate speech and religious intolerance amid recent tensions and inflammatory exchanges on social media.
The peace-building organisation warned that religious differences must not be allowed to undermine Ghana’s long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence, national unity and respect for religious diversity.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Hon. Frank Fuseini Adongo, UPF Ghana expressed concern about recent exchanges involving members and representatives of different religious communities, particularly on social media.
It urged Ghanaians of all religious backgrounds to remain calm and demonstrate tolerance, stressing that the country’s peace must take precedence over religious disagreements.
According to UPF Ghana, Ghana’s status as a secular democratic state guarantees every citizen the freedom to practise, profess and share their religious beliefs.
It, however, stressed that religious freedom must be exercised responsibly and with respect for the rights, beliefs and dignity of others.
“Religion must never become a reason to hate, attack, threaten or discriminate against another person,” the organisation stated.
UPF Ghana said Christians, Muslims and followers of traditional and other religions remain members of one Ghanaian family regardless of differences in their beliefs and forms of worship.
It maintained that religious diversity should strengthen rather than weaken the country’s social fabric.
“We may worship differently, but we share the same homeland and the same responsibility to protect Ghana’s peace,” the statement said.
UPF condemns religious incitement
The organisation strongly condemned hate speech, religious incitement, threats, provocation and the deliberate dissemination of inflammatory or misleading information, especially through social media.
It cautioned citizens against allowing online disagreements to escalate into hostility among religious groups or threaten peaceful coexistence.
UPF Ghana also called on state institutions to deal fairly and professionally with individuals alleged to have breached the law, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
It said such cases must be handled in accordance with due process and without prejudice or religious discrimination.
The Federation equally urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and allow the appropriate institutions to discharge their constitutional and legal responsibilities.
Religious leaders urged to promote peace
UPF Ghana placed particular responsibility on religious leaders, clerics, pastors, imams, traditional leaders, public figures and social media influencers to use their influence to promote peace and understanding rather than division.
It noted that statements by influential personalities could either defuse tensions or deepen divisions, making responsible public communication critical to preserving national cohesion.
“Words from influential leaders can either calm a nation or deepen division; therefore, wisdom and responsibility are essential,” it stressed.
The organisation further advocated renewed Christian-Muslim and broader interfaith dialogue, particularly among young people, as a means of strengthening mutual understanding and preventing religious intolerance from gaining ground.
UPF Ghana said every religious community must be allowed to practise its faith peacefully while respecting the freedoms and dignity of others.
“Let Christianity practise Christianity in peace. Let Islam practise Islam in peace. Let traditional religions and other faiths practise their beliefs in peace. Let every Ghanaian respect the freedom and dignity of others,” it stated.
The Federation warned that Ghana must not allow religious disagreements to turn citizens against one another or undermine the country’s social cohesion.
“Ghana belongs to all of us. Peace belongs to all of us,” the statement added.
UPF Ghana therefore urged citizens to choose unity over division and dialogue over confrontation, while embracing tolerance, mutual respect and the rule of law.
“Peace is our common responsibility,” it concluded.
