Police Caution Public Against Using Free Speech to Promote Religious Violence

The Ghana Police Service has cautioned the public against using freedom of expression or religious freedom as a basis for statements that encourage violence or call for harm against other people.

According to the Police Service, the warning follows the arrest of two individuals in connection with separate videos containing comments involving Prophet Mohammed.

Police said 35-year-old Imam Masud Abdullah was arrested after a video allegedly showed him encouraging his audience to kill people who insult Prophet Mohammed.

In a separate case, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team arrested Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, after he was seen in a video using derogatory language directed at Prophet Mohammed.

The Ghana Police Service used the cases to remind religious leaders, preachers, community leaders, social media commentators and the wider public that constitutional freedoms should not be used to encourage acts of violence.

The Service stated that freedom of religion and freedom of expression must not be treated as justification for inciting violence or encouraging members of the public to harm other people.

Police further warned that statements considered to be inciteful and in breach of the law could result in the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Investigations into the two cases are continuing, according to the Ghana Police Service, and the suspects are expected to go through the appropriate legal process.