Religious Leaders Tasked to Combat Violence and Insecurity

 


The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has called on Christian and Muslim religious leaders, as well as Zongo Chiefs, to play a crucial role in fostering peace and security in Ghana. Speaking at separate high-level meetings in Accra on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, he emphasized the importance of faith leaders in addressing pressing security challenges, including vigilantism, drug abuse, and chieftaincy disputes.

Addressing Christian clerics from the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Catholic Bishops' Conference, and other religious bodies, the Minister acknowledged the growing concerns about drug proliferation and its threat to national stability. He urged faith leaders to take an active role in combating substance abuse through community engagement, education, and rehabilitation efforts.

“Your influence extends far beyond the spiritual realm, and we recognize the significant role you play in shaping the moral fabric of our communities,” he told the clergy.

Later in the day, at the National Mosque in Kanda, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak met with Muslim leaders, including His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, the National Imams of Ahli Sunnah, Tijaaniya, Ahmadiyya, and Shia communities, as well as the President of the National Council of Zongo Chiefs. He urged them to promote messages of peace, unity, and social cohesion, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Whenever there is an issue, Muslim names are mentioned. Our youth are frequently associated with one problem or another, which is undesirable and must be discouraged. We must work together to change this narrative,” he stated.

The Minister highlighted the rising number of curfews due to chieftaincy disputes, revealing that as of February 2025, there were 11 active curfews in the country. He stressed that such conflicts disrupt communities and hinder national development.

“To address these security challenges, I have initiated engagements with the Regional House of Chiefs, Muslim Leaders, Zongo Chiefs, and now, Christian Clerics, to find peaceful solutions to conflicts. We must guide our youth to seek lawful means of addressing grievances and embrace peace,” he said.

Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak proposed a three-pronged approach to tackling insecurity:

  1. Promoting peace and social cohesion through interfaith dialogue, community outreach, and cultural events.
  2. Addressing security concerns by fostering communication between religious communities and security agencies.
  3. Supporting community development by identifying and addressing socio-economic challenges in various communities.

He assured both Christian and Muslim leaders of the government’s commitment to supporting their peace-building efforts and ensuring that security agencies have the necessary resources to maintain law and order.

Citing the words of Rev. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, former Chairman of the National Peace Council, the Minister underscored the importance of religious leaders preaching and demonstrating peace, particularly as Ghana moves past the 2024 elections.

“By the grace of God, together, we can build a brighter future for Ghana, where peace and security reign supreme,” he concluded, urging both Christian and Muslim clerics to intensify their efforts in spreading messages of reconciliation, unity, and national stability.


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