Pan African Clergy Council petitions Interior Minister over assault of cleric in police custody

The Pan African Clergy Council and Bible Seminary has petitioned the Minister for the Interior, calling for a full, impartial and transparent investigation into the alleged assault of a Christian cleric while in police custody.

In a formal petition dated August 18, 2026, the Council expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s arrest and alleged assault, stressing that being placed in police custody should not expose any citizen to assault, intimidation or humiliation.

The Council said once a person is placed under the authority of the State, his safety, dignity and lawful rights become a matter of institutional responsibility.

It called for the police officer or officers on duty, as well as the Muslim individual alleged to have assaulted the cleric, to be investigated and, where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility, prosecuted in accordance with Ghanaian law.

The Council welcomed calls for accountability but cautioned that the matter should not be reduced to a reconciliation ceremony while questions surrounding accountability remain unresolved.

It therefore urged the Interior Ministry to ensure that every person found culpable, irrespective of religious affiliation, position or influence, is dealt with according to the law.

The Council also requested that the Ministry keep it formally informed about the progress, findings and final outcome of the investigation.

The petition also addressed the controversy surrounding an assertion attributed to the Islamic cleric involved in the matter.

According to the Council, it had taken note of the explanation that the controversial assertion concerning the Prophet Muhammad was not personally originated by the Islamic cleric but was based on his understanding of the Quran.

“No Christian leader should be above the law because he is Christian, and no Muslim leader should be above the law because he is Muslim,” the Council said,

The Council disclosed that it had engaged the Christian cleric involved and counselled him against continuing his apologetic engagements in a manner it described as insulting, inflammatory or provocative towards Islam or any other religion.

It said Christianity could be defended without insulting Muslims, just as Islam could be defended without threatening Christians.

The Council stressed that religious disagreement should never become a justification for threats, intimidation or physical violence.

“A handshake cannot erase an assault. An apology cannot replace an investigation. Reconciliation cannot substitute for due process,” the Council stated.

“Ghana’s religious harmony is precious and must be protected,” it said, adding that genuine religious peace could not be sustained through double standards.

The Pan African Clergy Council therefore urged the Minister for the Interior to treat the petition with the seriousness and urgency it deserves and ensure that the public maintains confidence that justice does not take on a religious colour.

AM

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