Edward Bawa, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bongo constituency, has condemned Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s for urging Muslims to vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the basis of religion.
According to Mr. Bawa the statement from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Majority leader as irresponsible and divisive.
On Monday, September 9, 2024, shortly after the flagbearer of the NPP filed his nomination, Afenyo Markin urged muslims to vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia because he is like a brother to them. He also accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of discriminating against Muslims by replacing Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader.
Bawa’s criticism highlights concerns about the politics of religion in Ghana, and the ripple effects thereof it can have on the nation, especially its peace.
In a media interview, Edward Bawa expressed his dismay, stating, “Just a few days ago, we condemned a remark made by their whip in Parliament, where they claimed ‘you have polluted water more than us.’ The comment was so egregious that the Ghana Bar Association president felt compelled to address it in his speech. And yet, we’re seeing the same pattern of behavior from the leadership. It’s utterly irresponsible.”
He drove home the fact that Ghana is peaceful and tolerant country, and most importantly a secular state where one reaps rewards or occupies an office based on merit, qualifications, and competence, rather than religious affiliation or background.
The MP cautioned against the involvement of religious and ethnic sentiments into politics as it can hold untold consequences, with the Rwandan genocide being a case in point.
