The Ghana Police Service has arrested an Imam for allegedly advocating violence against people who speak ill of Prophet Mohammed.
The 35-year-old suspect, identified as Masud Abdullah, was arrested over a video in which he allegedly made statements calling for violent action against individuals who make derogatory remarks about the Prophet.
According to the Police, Abdullah made the alleged comments while delivering a sermon at a mosque in Ntensere in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.
His arrest was carried out in collaboration with the National Signals Bureau (NSB) as part of efforts to address public utterances considered capable of inciting violence.
In a related development, the Police Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team arrested Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, over a separate video in which he was allegedly seen making derogatory and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed.
The Police said investigations into both cases are ongoing and that the suspects will be taken through due process of the law.
The Service has meanwhile urged religious leaders, preachers, community leaders and social media commentators to exercise responsibility in their public utterances.
“Freedom of religion and freedom of expression must never be used as justification for inciting violence or encouraging members of the public to harm others,” the Police said.
The Police warned that utterances that incite violence constitute offences and said perpetrators would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
