Former NPP Chairman of the Afigya Kwabere South Constituency, in the Ashanti Region, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah has lashed Alan Kyerematen’s campaign team for calling out for a Christian to lead the party in 2024.
Alan Kyeremanteng’s Eastern Regional campaign coordinator, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, stated during a tour of the Ashanti Region last week that the party requires a Christian to lead them into the 2024 polls.
Odeneho Kwaku Appiah is one of many people who have said the remark is offensive.
According to him, “Christianity, traditional and Islam are the three major religions in Ghana. For that reason, the 1992 constitution guarantees religious tolerance and freedom. Today, there are inter-religious marriages all across the country.
Hon Haruna ldrissu (MP), Sule Muntari (footballer), Kalsoume Sinare( actress) and others are all muslims married to christians. And by religious tolerance, we appreciate spiritual values, beliefs and practices which are different from ours.
It was a great move when the National Chief Imam visited a church and also made a donation to support the building of the national cathedral. His visit and donation to the Cathedral didn’t change his beliefs and principles. This is a sign of religious tolerance which we all need to learn.”
“When l hear people talk about who to lead and involve beliefs, tribe, faith and the likes, l get worried because the above cannot put food on our table or money in our pocket. Those who have nothing to offer will always want to divide us with the above but let’s say no to intolerance. Religion should not be a reason to reject or accept someone.
I strongly believe that NPP members and the people of this country want us to elect someone who will lead and govern this country to our satisfaction. Are we looking for a pastor, imam or a traditional leader?
I ask when a Christian is selected will all our problems be resolved?
Research done by CCD afrobarometer shows that more than 9 out of 10 Ghanaians will not mind having people of different faith as neighbours. We are not interested in tribal politics so let us respect each other’s faith. This religion’s fantasy and fanaticism shouldn’t even be tolerated.”
COKA has demanded Mr Ayeh-Paye to apologize asap because such remarks incite religious groups’ rage and destabilize the country.
“Whoever made that public statement, calling for a Christian to lead as president, should as a matter of respect to all religious bodies in the country, not only Islam, apologize. Such useless comments must not be entertained as they have the tendency to cause hostility among the religious groups in the country. to say the least!.”
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
