The Patriotic Muslim Front (PMF) has condemned an alleged assault involving a man identified as Sibamay Zakaria, popularly known as Alhaji Papa Angola, who is accused of attacking a suspect while in police custody.
The group said the alleged assault was reportedly linked to comments the suspect had made that were considered offensive to the religious beliefs of Muslims in Ghana.
In a statement, the PMF described the incident as a disturbing act of violence and stressed that no individual should take the law into their own hands in response to religious disagreements or provocative comments.
The group said violence could not be justified in the name of religion and urged Ghanaians to rely on lawful and peaceful means to address grievances.
“Violence cannot and must never be justified in the name of religion,” the PMF said.
The organisation noted that Ghana is a religiously diverse country where people of different faiths have coexisted for generations, describing religious harmony as an important national asset that must be protected.
It further emphasised that Islamic teachings promote peace, justice, patience, wisdom and respect for human dignity.
The PMF acknowledged that religiously offensive comments could cause deep hurt among believers but said such concerns should be addressed through dialogue and the institutions of the state rather than violence.
The group called on all Ghanaians, regardless of their religious affiliations, to exercise restraint and tolerance when confronted with religious disagreements or provocative statements.
It also urged the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law is dealt with through due process.
The PMF stressed that suspects in police custody must be protected from violence and abuse and that justice should be allowed to take its proper course.
The organisation further appealed to religious leaders, traditional authorities, civil society groups, the media and the wider public to promote dialogue and mutual respect among people of different faiths.
It warned against attempts to use religion to justify violence, intimidation, hatred or disorder.
The PMF said Ghana’s religious harmony and peace must not be undermined by intolerance or individual acts of extremism.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, religious tolerance and the protection of the dignity and rights of all persons, regardless of their religious beliefs.
