NAPO denounces hate speech and religious intolerance.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly denounced the rise of religious intolerance and bigotry from certain politicians and members of the clergy, particularly those targeting the Muslim community in Ghana. He emphasized the dangers this growing trend poses to the nation’s democratic values, religious harmony, and stability. Dr. Opoku Prempeh made these remarks during a meeting with Zongo Chiefs at Alaba in the Manhyia South Constituency on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
He criticized clergymen and political figures who, instead of focusing on candidates’ vision and competence, use religion as a platform for their campaigns. He referred to such individuals as “nation-wreckers,” urging voters to reject politicians who exploit religious differences for political gain. Dr. Opoku Prempeh stressed that political campaigns should prioritize important issues like leadership qualities, the candidate’s ability to govern, and their vision for the country. “Governance is a serious business that requires leaders who are competent, hardworking, and results-driven. Poverty does not recognize religion, joblessness does not know religion, and similarly, governance is not determined by religion. So why should religion be the criterion for selecting our leaders?” he asked.
The Minister of Energy also took aim at the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for exacerbating the situation by promoting hate speech and fostering religious intolerance. Dr. Opoku Prempeh cited specific incidents where leading figures in the NDC, such as General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey, made inflammatory statements about Muslims. He recalled that Kwetey had said, “Muslims are unfit to lead this country.” Additionally, he referenced recent comments made by Muntaka Mubarak on Zuria Radio, where Mubarak claimed that both he and Haruna Iddrisu were removed from their roles as Minority Chief Whip and Minority Leader in Parliament due to their Muslim faith.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh was quick to emphasize that Ghana has always been a country that rejects religious discrimination when it comes to selecting leaders. He pointed out that Ghanaians have always viewed themselves as a united nation, regardless of religious affiliation, with a shared purpose and destiny. “We consider ourselves as one people serving the same God, and religious affiliation has never been a factor in how we choose our leaders,” he declared, stressing the importance of national unity over religious differences.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh remained confident that Ghanaians would cast their votes in favor of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, highlighting the latter’s vision and leadership qualities. He stressed that Dr. Bawumia, not only a highly competent and visionary leader, has a proven track record of overseeing numerous successful development projects as vice president. According to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, Dr. Bawumia’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to drive positive change and contribute to the development of Ghana.
In his address, Dr. Opoku Prempeh underscored the need for Ghanaians to prioritize competence, vision, and the ability to tackle pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and governance. He concluded by affirming that the future of the country depends on electing leaders who can continue to promote the nation’s stability, unity, and progress, rather than dividing the people based on religious lines. He expressed his belief that Ghana’s democracy would remain resilient as long as citizens remain committed to unity and reject divisive politics based on religion.
As the election draws near, Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s message serves as a call for Ghanaians to focus on the issues that matter most and to vote for leaders who can steer the country toward a brighter future. He remains confident that the NPP’s vision, led by Dr. Bawumia, will secure the nation’s continued growth, development, and unity.