A Muslim cleric whose remarks in a viral video calling for the killing of anyone who insults Prophet Mohammed have sparked concern has apologised and retracted his comments.

The cleric said the video was recorded "last two weeks when I offered a khutba (public sermon) about Prophet Mohammed and Islamic law".

He said his elders subsequently called him and cautioned him that he had misspoken and should apologise.

"It's true. This is why I am here to say sorry to all Ghanaians and the leaders this matter will be brought to," he said.

The cleric explained that the remarks were made out of anger and expressed remorse over them.

"Those words came out of my mouth in anger but I am sorry and I retract them."

He also denied that he was calling on Ghanaians to kill one another.

"I didn't say a Ghanaian should kill another Ghanaian," he said.

'Ghana has its own constitution'

The cleric explained that he was teaching Islamic principles but acknowledged that Islamic law could not be imposed on Ghanaians because the country has its own laws and constitution.

"If you ask an mallam (Islamic teacher), they'll explain what I said to you. But because Ghana has its own laws, we cannot apply the Islamic laws to Ghanaians. Ghana has its own constitution, which we follow. What I did was explaining Islamic teachings. I apologise. If there's any wrongdoing on my part, let no one turn it into something else and say I am asking Ghanaians to kill themselves. I didn't say that."

He said his religious elders had helped him recognise the seriousness of his remarks and pleaded with Ghana's leaders for forgiveness.

"We all know Ghana has laws and loves peace. So leaders of Ghana, I accept that what I said was inappropriate. It was wrath that influenced me to speak. We all know the prophet said when an angry man speaks, they become like a madman - anything can happen. I ask for forgiveness, and plead that we treat this matter as though it never happened."

He ended by praying for peace and understanding in the country.

"I thank you this evening. May God give Ghana peace, give our leaders understanding, and all of us patience in this matter," he said, before offering the Islamic peace greeting.