The Ministry of the Interior has condemned an assault on an arrested person while in police custody, and directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate how civilians gained access to the suspect.

In a statement dated August 13, 2026, and issued by the Ministry's Public Affairs and Communications Unit, the Ministry said it was particularly concerned that the incident followed statements attributed to persons on both sides of a religious dispute, including calls for violence against people considered to have offended religious sensibilities.

"The Ministry unequivocally condemns all such statements, as there is no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims, or any other person on the basis of religion," the statement said.

The Ministry was equally firm on the assault itself. "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," it said, describing the circumstances under which civilians gained access to the person in custody as "a matter of serious concern."

Minister directs IGP to investigate on three fronts

According to the statement, the Minister for the Interior has directed the IGP to:

- Investigate the circumstances under which civilians gained access to the arrested person, identify any police personnel who may have facilitated, permitted or acquiesced in the breach of custody, and take appropriate disciplinary action against any officer found culpable;

- Take immediate steps to identify, arrest and investigate the civilians involved in the assault, in accordance with the law; and

- Investigate the conduct of all supervising officers directly responsible for the custody and supervision of those involved, and take appropriate disciplinary action where culpability is found.

The Minister further directed police to deal with persons arrested in connection with the preceding incidents strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour.

'No one is above the law' 

The Ministry said its position is clear: religious incitement, religious violence and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana, stating that "no religious belief, personal grievance or other consideration places anyone above the law."

It added that it remains committed to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons in custody, and promoting the peaceful coexistence of citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.