Academic cautions against using religious differences for political division

Religious tolerance in Ghana is a national asset that requires vigilant protection, according to Islamic scholar Sheikh Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid. He warned against attempts to exploit legitimate religious and cultural differences for political gain, emphasizing the need to safeguard the country's long-standing model of peaceful coexistence between its Christian majority and Muslim minority.

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Religious tolerance must be jealously guarded against attempts to turn legitimate religious and cultural differences into sources of political division.

Delivering a lecture titled “One Nation, Many Faiths: Emerging Threats to Religious Tolerance in Ghana” at the Danquah Institute Liberty Lecture in Accra, Abdul-Hamid noted the considerable mutual accommodation demonstrated over the years. He cited examples like the International Central Gospel Church's renovation of the National Mosque and the National Chief Imam's attendance at an Easter Sunday service as expressions of interfaith goodwill.

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The Christian majority and Muslim minority had, over the years, demonstrated considerable mutual accommodation, creating a model of peaceful coexistence that should not be taken for granted.

Abdul-Hamid, a former CEO of the National Petroleum Authority and an aspirant for the NPP's National Vice-Chairman position, rejected suggestions that Muslim participation in politics aimed to Islamize the country. He argued that voting patterns do not automatically align with religious identity, and political leaders should be evaluated based on their policies and service to all citizens.

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love, cooperation and goodwill

The scholar stressed that national programs should benefit all Ghanaians regardless of their faith. He also highlighted the role of social media in potentially amplifying misinformation and suspicion, urging political, religious, and community leaders to resist divisive narratives and actively protect the nation's peace.

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such gestures demonstrated the reciprocal respect that had helped preserve peace.