The Ministry of the Interior has condemned the assault of Apostle Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei while in police custody and directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate how civilians gained access to the detained pastor.
Apostle Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, was arrested by the Ghana Police Service after a video circulated on social media in which he allegedly made derogatory and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed.
His arrest formed part of a police crackdown following the circulation of videos containing statements considered capable of inciting religious violence.
In a related case, the Police arrested 35-year-old Imam Masud Abdullah over a separate video in which he allegedly called for violence against people who insulted or spoke ill of Prophet Mohammed. The Police said the imam made the remarks during a sermon at a mosque at Ntensere in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.
The controversy escalated after another video went viral showing Apostle Adjei being confronted and assaulted while he was already in police custody.
The Police subsequently launched a manhunt for the person captured in the video and identified him as 63-year-old Sibamay Zakaria. He was later arrested by the Police on Thursday, August 13, following the circulation of the footage.
The Interior Ministry, in a statement issued on August 3, said it was particularly concerned about the incident because it followed statements attributed to persons on both sides of the religious dispute, including calls for violence against people considered to have offended religious sensibilities.
It unequivocally condemned such statements, stressing that there was no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims or any other person on the basis of religion.
The Ministry, however, stressed that the alleged offensive remarks by the pastor could not justify his assault while in state custody.
“Equally, no allegation of breach of law, however serious, gives any person the right to assault a suspect in police custody. An arrested person is in custody of the State and is entitled to the protection of the law,” the Ministry said.
It said the circumstances under which civilians gained access to Apostle Adjei while he was in police custody were a matter of serious concern.
Consequently, the Minister for the Interior has directed the IGP to investigate the circumstances under which civilians gained access to the arrested pastor and identify any police personnel who may have facilitated, permitted or acquiesced in the breach of custody.
The Ministry directed that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against any police officer found culpable.
The IGP has also been instructed to take immediate steps to identify, arrest and investigate the civilian persons involved in the assault in accordance with the law.
The Ministry further ordered an investigation into the conduct of all supervising officers directly responsible for the custody and supervision of the persons involved.
Supervising officers found culpable are to face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.
The Ministry also directed the Police to deal with persons arrested in connection with the preceding incidents strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour.
The latest development comes as religious leaders and state institutions call for restraint following the circulation of provocative statements and videos capable of heightening tensions between religious communities.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, had earlier cautioned religious preachers, scholars and teachers against using provocative language in their sermons, warning that such utterances could have national security implications. He urged religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The Interior Ministry said its position was clear: religious incitement, religious violence and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana.
“No religious belief, personal grievance or other consideration places anyone above the law,” it added.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons in custody and promoting peaceful coexistence among citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.