Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and Member of Parliament for Mampong, has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to avoid letting religious considerations influence their voting choices in the upcoming general elections on December 7. Speaking during a campaign tour led by the New Patriotic Party’s running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Ampratwum-Sarpong specifically urged the Christian community to reject attempts to use Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s religion as a reason to oppose him in the presidential race.
Ampratwum-Sarpong emphasized that Bawumia’s faith should not be a divisive issue, given Ghana’s tradition of interfaith harmony. He highlighted that Bawumia, although now a practicing Muslim, has a deep understanding of Christianity, having been a Christian earlier in his life. This, Ampratwum-Sarpong argued, should not be a barrier to supporting him.
The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister’s appeal comes at a critical time, as Ghana prepares for its general elections. The country has a long history of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, and Ampratwum-Sarpong urged Ghanaians to maintain this harmony.
In his words, “My fellow Christians, some people will attempt to convince you to vote against Dr. Bawumia because of his religion. Heed not. Dr. Bawumia used to be a Christian and he understands Christianity.” He emphasized that Christians and Muslims have always coexisted peacefully, and urged Ghanaians not to disturb this balance.
Ampratwum-Sarpong’s message is particularly relevant, given the country’s complex political landscape. Ghana has 12 political parties, but is largely dominated by two main parties: the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress. The upcoming elections are expected to be highly contested.
The elections will be held on December 7, with President Nana Akufo-Addo term-limited and ineligible to run again. Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, representing the New Patriotic Party, and former President John Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress, are among the leading contenders.
Ampratwum-Sarpong’s appeal for Ghanaians to focus on a candidate’s abilities and vision, rather than their religious affiliations, is crucial in maintaining the country’s peaceful democratic process.
Ghana has made significant progress in promoting democracy and freedom, with the country rated as “partly free” in the 2023 Freedom on the Net report. However, challenges remain, including corruption, growing political violence, and vote buying.
As Ghanaians prepare to head to the polls, Ampratwum-Sarpong’s message serves as a timely reminder of the importance of unity and inclusivity. By focusing on the issues that matter most, Ghanaians can ensure a peaceful and democratic election process.
In the run-up to the elections, various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and international observers, will be watching closely to ensure a free and fair process. Ampratwum-Sarpong’s appeal is a step in the right direction, promoting a message of tolerance and unity.
The December 7 elections will be a critical test of Ghana’s democratic resilience. By rejecting religious divisions and focusing on the country’s future, Ghanaians can ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all.
