We would not have visited this foul subject but for its resonance in some sections of the Islamic communities across the country, and its potential to compromise national security.
Some police officers detailed to curb the demonstration at the Islamic SHS in Kumasi were alleged to have passed remarks which were offensive to members of the faith and generally xenophobic.
Remarks which smack of xenophobia often referred to as hate speeches have been responsible for the breakdown of law and order in some parts of the world recently, India being a case in point. In Nigeria, a lady was murdered and set alight by irate persons because she allegedly passed uncomplimentary remarks injurious to the sentiment of Muslims. The fallouts from the murder of the young lady and matters thereof threatened the security of the country.
Ghana is one of those places where intolerance among the varying faiths is a beauty to behold. Unlike other places, members of the multiple of faiths have lived with each other for centuries. Instances of interfaith and cross ethnic marriages have been observed.
The Islamic SHS demonstration, during which some cops passed the offensive remarks, is turning into a jinx. Having threatened the career of some police officers, it is now locking in on our age-old interfaith harmony but of course, we won’t that to be.
All well-meaning Ghanaians should join hands in saying ‘no’ to anything which would threaten the beautiful inter-faith harmony attribute of our country.
This feature has attracted for us accolades from persons whose countries have been denied this outstanding attribute.
It is ironic that such an alien remark allegedly originated from police officers who should have known better, owing to the danger such unguarded badmouth can trigger in a country.
The grumbling in the Islamic communities, following the remarks by the police officers, is a case in point.
It is a subject we would rather was not given oxygen to stand. We are discussing it to thwart the designs of haters of peaceful coexistence who are ready to manipulate to serve their cause.
Let us all consider the larger picture of Ghana’s peace and its interest by acting responsibly.
It is relieving that the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has waded into the matter.
We are convinced that given the seriousness of the matter, the IGP and for that matter the Police Administration, would not leave any stone unturned towards addressing the challenged caused by the irresponsible tongue.
At the end of the day, the public should be told about the outcome of the investigations and actions taken to obviate a future recurrence.