Presidential Envoy in charge of Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has urged Ghanaians to protect the country’s religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, hence warning against attempts to use religion to create division and violence.

He said Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful nation where people of different faiths live together in harmony is a legacy built over generations and must not be taken for granted.

Mr. Afriyie Ankrah made the remarks at the Biennial Zonal Conference of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church held at Kasoa in the Central Region.

According to him, Ghana’s religious harmony is a unique national asset that requires a collective effort to preserve it.

“Ghana continues to enjoy a remarkable reputation as a peaceful nation where people of different faiths live together in harmony, and that peace must be protected at all costs.”

He cautioned against the use of religion to promote threats, violence or division, insisting that such conduct must be rejected regardless of who is responsible.

“No one should ever use religion to promote a threat to division or violence. Whether such actions come from a Christian or a Muslim, from a political party or from any other group, they must be rejected without any reservation.”

Mr. Afriyie Ankrah added that Ghana’s interfaith harmony remains one of the country’s greatest strengths, citing the cordial relationship between Christians and Muslims.

He observed that it is not unusual in Ghana to see people of different faiths participating in one another’s religious programmes.

“Only in Ghana can you have a Christian church programme and see a Hajia in ‘Mayafee’ sitting at the front table.”

He said such interactions demonstrate a culture of tolerance that must be preserved by Ghanaians.

“In other countries this will not happen. This is a legacy that has been left to us by our co-founders and we must do whatever it takes to protect it.”

The Presidential Envoy further urged religious leaders and citizens to ensure their faith becomes an instrument for peace, justice and respect for humanity rather than a source of conflict.

Drawing on Christian and Islamic teachings, he stressed, both religions promote values that should bring people together.

“Our faiths should unite us, not divide us in conflict.”

Mr Afriyie Ankrah, however, said the appeal for peace and dialogue must be accompanied by accountability, particularly where individuals deliberately seek to inflame religious tensions.

He commended Christian and Muslim leaders for the maturity and wisdom they have demonstrated in addressing recent religious misunderstandings.

“I believe the Christian leadership and the Muslim leadership and all for the maturity and wisdom they have demonstrated in addressing recent misunderstandings.”

He disclosed that he was part of efforts to douse religious tensions in the country, saying “I was part of it to bring down tension” but emphasised that “that is not enough”.

In respect of this, Mr. Afriyie Ankrah called on the appropriate law enforcers to let the law to take its course against anyone who incites people along religious lines.

“The law must take its course. So anybody who tries to incite people against the law, they must be held accountable.”

He also called on religious leaders, political actors and the general public to promote dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, warning that attempts to undermine Ghana’s religious harmony could have serious consequences for national peace and stability.