New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has received support from the Council of Regional Imams for his efforts to foster unity with the Christian community in the country.
The Imams paid a visit to Dr. Bawumia at his residence over the weekend, to congratulate him for his nomination as the NPP’s presidential candidate.
They also expressed their displeasure with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, who had attacked Dr. Bawumia for his frequent engagements with Christians, and had called him a ‘religious prostitute’ – a remark that has been widely criticized.
Dr. Bawumia, the Regional Imams said, is not violating any Islamic principles by his interactions with Christians, and that he is showing tolerance and respect for religious diversity as a leader.
They urged him to continue his unifying agenda to promote harmony among different faiths in the country.
“Your tolerance and respect for religious diversity is commendable. You are doing the right thing by maintaining a very strong relationship with the Christian community as a leader to strengthen harmony. We are one people.”
“The Prophet Muhammad himself had a very good relationship with non-Muslims and Islam does not forbid the building and strengthening of harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians.”
“When the Prophet went to Madina, he established a very good relationship with the Christians. There are also examples of Muslim leaders in the world, including in Muslim countries who have good relationships with their Christian colleagues,” the Imams said.
While condemning the comments by Sam George, the Council urged the Vice President to continue to be for all because we are one people in Ghana.
“The gentleman did not speak well at all because we are one people in this country. By your position, you are a politician and a leader so you belong to everyone. Continue to be for all because we are one people in Ghana,” they said.