‘Do Not Dishonor Us by Allowing Only Christians to Make Bawumia President’ In the annals of Ghana’s diverse and inclusive democracy, the recent call for religious exclusion in the leadership of the nation has sparked widespread concern and condemnation. The statement, urging citizens not to “dishonor” the Muslim community by supporting only Christian candidates for the presidency, has ignited a fervent debate on the role of religion in politics. Religious freedom and tolerance are enshrined as fundamental principles in the Ghanaian constitution. The nation has long been a haven for people of different faiths, who have lived side by side in harmony and mutual respect. The notion that one’s religion should determine their eligibility for high office is an affront to this fundamental tenet of our society. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a devout Muslim, has served as a respected and capable leader in the government. His performance in office has been widely praised, and his qualifications should be the primary consideration in any assessment of his suitability for the presidency. To suggest that his religion should disqualify him is both prejudicial and divisive. Ghana is at a critical juncture in its history. As the nation grapples with economic challenges and seeks to forge a more cohesive and prosperous future, it is imperative that we embrace the principles that unite us rather than divide us. Religious affiliation should have no bearing on one’s ability to lead. The call for religious exclusion sends a dangerous message. It undermines the very foundation of our democracy and threatens to create a society where citizens are judged based on their beliefs rather than their merits. Such a path would lead to fragmentation, conflict, and the erosion of our national unity. Ghanaians must stand up and reject this divisive rhetoric. We must affirm our commitment to a truly inclusive and tolerant society. The choice of our leaders should be based on their competence, integrity, and vision for the nation, not on their religious affiliation. Let us not allow the voices of intolerance to drown out the voices of reason and progress. Let us embrace the diversity that makes Ghana a vibrant and resilient nation. And let us ensure that future generations inherit a society where all citizens, regardless of their faith, have an equal opportunity to serve and lead.

Policy for Friday, June 14, 2024

Fountain: Nana Peprah

2024-06-14

President of the Regional Council of Ashanti Chiefs of the Frafra community, Alhaji Musah Akambonga

The Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Council of Chiefs of the Frafra Community in the Ashanti Region, Alhaji Musah Akambonga, has stated that it would be very sad and disappointing if it became known that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been appointed as Chairman only by Christians.

According to him, Dr. Bawumia, who is a Muslim, needs massive support from his fellow Muslims. He added that he hopes to be on a campaign platform to vigorously campaign for the vice president.

Describing him as truthful and a competent man, the Frafra boss said Ghanaians need someone like Dr. Bawumia to change the fortunes of the nation.

“Are you a good Muslim when a Christian believes in the Koran more than you?

“Do not disgrace us by sitting on the sidelines while Christians are the only ones who make Oheneba Bawumia president on December 7, 2024. It would be a shame if investigations reveal that only Christians made him president on December 7.”

He, however, pleaded with them to unite and help Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia become President of Ghana.

Alhaji Akambonga made this appeal to a gathering of Muslims at the Kumasi Central Mosque during a campaign visit.+

The visit, which was part of the flag bearer’s three-day tour to the Ashanti region, featured a gathering of Muslims who welcomed him as he presented his vision for Ghana’s next chapter.

Muslim Clerics Decry Christian Supremacy in Vice-Presidential Quest Prominent Muslim clerics have vehemently condemned the perceived dominance of Christians in the race for Ghana’s vice presidency. In a public statement, the Coalition of Muslim Scholars and Imams charged against the “exclusionary” approach that has relegated Muslim candidates to the sidelines. “We have taken note of the consistent disregard for Muslim representation in the highest echelons of power,” the statement read. “This practice not only undermines the principle of inclusivity but also insults the intelligence of millions of Ghanaian Muslims.” The clerics specifically targeted the candidacy of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a Muslim economist who has emerged as a frontrunner for the vice-presidential slot on the ticket of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). “We want to make it clear that any attempt to disallow Dr. Bawumia from becoming vice president solely based on his religious affiliation will be met with strong resistance,” they declared. “We will not stand by and allow our community to be marginalized and treated as second-class citizens.” The clerics appealed to the NPP leadership to reconsider its stance and embrace diversity. They emphasized that Dr. Bawumia is a highly qualified and capable individual who would bring valuable assets to the party and the nation. “We urge the NPP and all other political parties to rise above petty sectarianism and appoint candidates based on merit and competence, regardless of their religious background,” the statement concluded.