NDC, Mahama must condemn Sam George’s religious intolerance attacks-CDS Africa

The Center for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS Africa) has issued a robust condemnation against the recent derogatory remarks made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, describing Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as a “religious prostitute.”

In an official statement signed by Dr. Doris Abena Boateng, Director of Research and policy at CDS Africa expressed its view that the comment made by the MP is not only reckless but also poses a direct threat to Ghana’s democracy and societal harmony.

The remark, targeting Dr. Bawumia’s exemplary tolerance towards the Christian faith despite being a Muslim, is considered opportunistic and insensitive, especially in the context of religious coexistence that the Vice-President has consistently promoted for the country’s peace, security, and development.

Ghana, known for its religious tolerance, has maintained relative peace through the respect for diverse religious beliefs at all levels.

Dr. Bawumia, as Vice-President for all Ghanaians, has consciously worked to strengthen the relationship between Muslims and Christians to enhance religious tolerance and harmony.

His visits to churches have been recognized as having a phenomenal impact on religious harmony, with many advocating for his leadership qualities to be replicated in other facets of society where there is a Muslim and Christian relationship.

CDS Africa emphasizes that attacking such values for political gains is unacceptable and calls for a united front in condemning such behavior.

It specifically calls upon the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Dramani Mahama, to unequivocally condemn and distance itself from this offensive attack on Vice-President Dr. Bawumia.

Furthermore, it urges President Mahama to direct Sam George to retract the statement and issue an unqualified public apology.

CDS Africa extended this call to Perez Chapel International, led by Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, where Sam George serves as an Elder.

The center urges the church to distance itself from the remarks likely to incite religious tension and requests an apology to dispel any doubts about intolerance towards other religions.

In a broader appeal, CDS Africa invites the Christian and Muslim communities, the National Peace Council, and civil society organizations to unite in condemning all forms of derogatory political speech that may undermine Ghana’s democracy, peace, and security.

The center emphasizes the need for responsible and sensitive political discourse and calls on Ghanaians to uphold the values of tolerance and respect for differences, as outlined in both Biblical and Islamic teachings.

CDS Africa, as an independent think tank, remains committed to promoting democracy and socio-economic development in Africa and encourages a collective effort to maintain Ghana’s legacy of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Source:zedmultimedia.com