Provocative preaching threatens religious harmony – Ghana Muslim Mission

The National Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission, Dr Sheikh Amin Bonsu, has appealed to religious leaders to discourage provocative preaching, warning that inflammatory messages could create tensions between religious communities. Speaking during a visit by Parliament's Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs to the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Dr Bonsu said some religious preaching in public spaces, including commercial vehicles, markets and along roadsides, could be provocative and risk creating conflict if not properly managed. According to him, Muslim leaders continuously engage their members to promote tolerance and prevent provocative conduct that could threaten Ghana's religious harmony. "You see Muslims preaching in the mosque or at other occasions. But with our brothers, you find them in tro-tro, at markets, roadside, and the preaching is so provocative to the extent that if we don't make constant effort to control our people, there will be escalations." Dr Bonsu said religious leaders have a responsibility to ensure that their followers do not engage in activities that could inflame tensions between Muslims and Christians. He stressed the need for tolerance across all aspects of religious and social life, noting that Muslims and Christians must continue to coexist peacefully. "We try as much as possible to control our people and to make sure no escalation occurs. His Eminence the Chief Imam holds that principle of tolerance. We are brothers and we should continue to live as brothers. We can only do that when we are all tolerant in all spheres of our lives." Source: Citi Newsroom