Exploring interreligious dialogue spaces and pathways for peace in Ghana

Religion is an instrument of peace, justice, and development. It can also serve as a perpetuator and catalyst of conflicts and violent extremism in the world. This Janus face of religion has made inter-religious dialogue an attractive pathway to promoting co-existence between people of different religious faiths. This paper examines the strategies that facilitate inter-religious dialogue and peaceful co-existence in Ghana. The study relied largely on secondary data which were analysed thematically. The analysis revealed that Ghana has instituted strategies that facilitate inter-religious dialogue. These include the provision of general fundamental freedoms of faith and worship, the creation of spaces of engagement between and among religious bodies, the institutionalization of religious tolerance, among others. Notwithstanding, religious discrimination and persistent inequalities are potential threats to the gains of inter-religious dialogue. The paper calls for deeper engagement between religious leaders as a way of harnessing the potential of inter-religious dialogue for peacebuilding.