Islamic cleric Alhaji Abdul Hannan Abdul Rahman has defended Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s decision to receive prayers at a shrine during his community campaign in Accra.
The leader of the Coalition of Muslim Organisations Ghana stated that Dr. Bawumia’s actions are consistent with the behaviour of a devout Muslim and do not violate Islamic principles.
“Let’s be fair to him; he is a vice president for all. He represents everyone.
So, if he visits a group and is invited and prayed for without him being the one pouring libation in prayer, it is his right, and Islam has made it flexible for all of us to do such in furtherance of national cohesion,” he stated.
The cleric argued that as a leader in a multi-faith country, the vice president has the right to promote religious tolerance, and Dr. Bawumia’s recent actions reflect his leadership qualities.
As part of his campaign in the Greater Accra Region, Dr. Bawumia visited several Ga communities, where a video surfaced showing him receiving blessings from a Wulomo at a shrine.
This has sparked debate, with some critics questioning Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to Islam after the video’s circulation. In contrast, NPP supporters have praised him for demonstrating religious inclusivity.
At the same time, former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), criticised religious leaders for not holding the government and Dr. Bawumia accountable for what he views as poor governance.