The Ministry of the Interior has condemned the assault of an arrested person while in police custody and directed the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, the Ministry said it had taken note of the incident and expressed particular concern that it followed statements attributed to persons on both sides of a religious dispute, including calls for violence against those considered to have offended religious sensibilities.
The Ministry unequivocally condemned all such statements, stressing that there is no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims or any other person on the basis of religion.
It further stated that no allegation of breach of law, however serious, gives any person the right to assault a suspect in police custody. An arrested person, the Ministry noted, is in the custody of the State and is entitled to the protection of the law.
The circumstances under which civilians gained access to the person in custody are a matter of serious concern, the statement added.
Accordingly, the Minister for the Interior has directed the Inspector-General of Police to investigate how civilians gained access to the arrested person and identify any police personnel who may have facilitated, permitted or acquiesced in the breach of custody, and to take appropriate disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.
The police have also been directed to take immediate steps to identify, arrest and investigate the civilian persons involved in the assault, in accordance with the law.
Additionally, the Inspector-General is to investigate the conduct of all supervising officers directly responsible for the custody and supervision of the persons involved and, where found culpable, take appropriate disciplinary action.
The Minister further directed the police to deal with the persons arrested in connection with the preceding incidents strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour.
The Ministry’s position is clear: religious incitement, religious violence and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana. No religious belief, personal grievance or other consideration places anyone above the law.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons in custody and promoting the peaceful coexistence of citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.
