Ghana News
Recent Arrests of Muslim cleric, Pastor is a Blueprint of How Ghana Is Striving to Root Out Religious Extremism
When a video emerged showing a Muslim cleric in Ghana’s Ashanti Region calling for violence against those who speak ill of the Prophet Mohammed, the response from Ghanaian authorities was swift and decisive. Within days, the cleric was arrested. So was a Christian pastor who had made derogatory comments about the Prophet in a separate video.
The arrests, carried out by the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the National Signals Bureau (NSB), reflect a broader national commitment: in Ghana, freedom of religion and freedom of expression are constitutionally protected, but they do not extend to incitement or hate speech.
The Arrests: Two Cases, One Principle
On August 12, 2026, the Ghana Police Service announced the arrest of Masud Abdullah, a 35-year-old Imam, in connection with a video in which he allegedly made statements advocating violence against persons who speak ill of Prophet Mohammed. According to police, Abdullah made the statements while delivering a sermon at a mosque in Ntensere, located in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region.
In a separate operation, the Police Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team arrested Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, who was seen in a video making derogatory and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed.
The two cases are not connected and arose from independent investigations. Both suspects will be taken through the due process of the law.
National Chief Imam: A Voice of Moderation
Before the arrests, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, had already condemned calls for violence against those who denigrate the Prophet. He made it clear that such statements go against the teachings of Islam and have no place in Ghana’s peaceful and religiously diverse society.
In a statement issued through his Executive Secretary, Dr. Sharubutu urged religious leaders to exercise restraint in the discharge of their duties. The Chief Imam’s swift condemnation was significant. As Ghana’s most senior Muslim leader, his words carried weight across the country’s Muslim community, which comprises approximately 17 to 22 per cent of the population.
Sheikh Sharubutu has consistently stood for peace, truth, and religious tolerance. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the harmonious relations between Ghana’s Muslim and Christian communities. Ghana has long been recognised as one of West Africa’s most stable and religiously diverse countries, where Muslims, Christians and traditionalists have coexisted peacefully for generations.
The Legal Framework: Constitutional Protections and Limits
Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Article 21(1)(c) states that “all persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice”. The Constitution does not designate a state religion and prohibits religious discrimination.
However, these freedoms are not absolute. In its public statement, the Ghana Police Service drew a clear line: “Freedom of religion and freedom of expression must never be used as justification for inciting violence or encouraging members of the public to harm others”. The Service added that any statement capable of inciting violence constitutes a criminal offence, and perpetrators will face the full rigours of the law.
This position is consistent with Ghana’s broader commitment to religious tolerance. President John Dramani Mahama has reinforced his commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that constitutional guarantees leave no grounds for religious discrimination. The President has described Ghana’s religious and cultural diversity as its greatest strength.
A Deep-Rooted Culture of Tolerance
Ghana’s approach to religious coexistence is not new. Long before the modern state emerged, many Ghanaian societies practised forms of religious plurality that made room for multiple spiritual expressions. These traditions have grown out of centuries of coexistence among different spiritual traditions that have learned to share space, customs and public life.
Scholars have noted that Ghana exhibits a robust culture of peaceful interfaith engagement, supported by traditional values such as abusua (kinship), nkonim (communal achievement), and ahobrɛase (humility). Research has shown that it was traditional local culture—as defined by indigenous religious values—that shaped and moderated the environment that sustained peaceful interreligious relations.
The Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference have been actively involved in interfaith relations, contributing to constructive engagement between Christians and Muslims. The United Nations has highlighted Ghana as an example of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, noting that this harmony has been sustained through continuous dialogue.
The Backlash and Broader Conversation
The arrests have ignited a nationwide conversation on religious extremism and its implications for peace in Ghana. The case has drawn significant attention on social media, with videos of the two suspects circulating widely.
In a related development, a Muslim cleric was reportedly seen confronting Apostle Daniel JY Adjei at the police headquarters in Accra over the alleged derogatory comments. The incident has prompted calls for the arrest of the cleric who confronted the pastor, underscoring the heightened emotions surrounding the case.
Police Warning: A Clear Message
In its public statement, the Ghana Police Service called on religious leaders, preachers, community figures and social media commentators to exercise caution in their public communications. The Service acknowledged that freedom of religion and freedom of expression are constitutionally protected but drew a clear line at content that could trigger violence.
The message is clear: Ghana will not tolerate incitement, regardless of the source. The arrests of both a Muslim Imam and a Christian pastor send an unambiguous signal that the law applies equally to all.
A Model for West Africa
Ghana’s handling of the case offers a model for the region. In a part of the world where religious tensions have fuelled conflicts, Ghana has maintained its reputation as a beacon of stability and religious coexistence.
The swift arrests, the Chief Imam’s condemnation of violence, and the police’s clear warning all demonstrate a coordinated response that balances constitutional freedoms with the imperative of public safety. As Ghana continues to navigate the challenges of religious diversity, its commitment to tolerance and the rule of law remains unwavering.
Investigations into both matters remain ongoing, and both suspects will be subjected to due process. No charges have been determined by a court at the time of the arrests.
Ghana News
American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.
The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.
“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”
Why This Outreach Matters
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .
While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .
Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .
How to Participate
For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.
Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .
For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.
Ghana News
Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.
1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.
- “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
- The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
- The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
- NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”
2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.
- Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
- The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
- The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”
3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.
- Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
- The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
- In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
- Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”
4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health
- Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
- The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
- On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”
5. Economy, Banking, and Tax
- Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
- B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
- Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.
6. Judicial and Political Fallout
- Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
- The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”
Ghana News
Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation
In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.
The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).
The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.
While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.
It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.
“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.
The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.
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