Kumi petitions police, Christian Council over religious pronouncements

New Patriotic Party National Youth Organizer aspirant Alfred Ababio Kumi, popularly known as Adenta Kumi, has petitioned the Ghana Police Service and the Christian Council of Ghana over recent religious pronouncements which, he says, could have implications for national peace and Ghana’s future electoral environment.

In separate petitions, Kumi raised concerns about public statements attributed to some Christian religious leaders regarding citizens based on their political affiliations, including alleged pronouncements of curses, condemnation and threats against persons because of their political choices.

He is calling on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the statements and determine whether they constitute threats, intimidation, incitement or any conduct capable of disturbing public peace.

Kumi has also submitted video evidence and other supporting materials to assist the authorities in their assessment of the matter.

In a separate petition to the Christian Council of Ghana, he appealed to the leadership of the Christian community to intervene and encourage responsible religious and political discourse.

Kumi stressed that his action should not be interpreted as an attack on Christianity or the Church.

“I am not against the Church. I am a Christian who loves the Church and believes that it must remain a pillar of peace, truth and reconciliation.”

Kumi, who says he was raised and trained in the Christian faith, explained that his concern is about the potential consequences of allowing political and religious rhetoric to become intertwined.

He cited Matthew 5:9, which says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” and Romans 14:19, which calls on believers to pursue what leads to peace and mutual edification.

According to him, Ghana’s political differences must not become a source of religious hostility.

He cautioned that although one political group may be the target of such pronouncements today, allowing the practice to become normal could result in another political party or group of citizens becoming the target tomorrow.

Kumi is therefore calling on the Christian Council to encourage pastors and prophets to use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance and national unity, particularly as Ghana moves towards future elections.

He has also appealed to the authorities to treat the matter objectively and within the confines of Ghana’s laws.

The petitions come amid broader discussions about the role and responsibility of religious leaders in Ghana’s political and electoral discourse.

Kumi said his objective is not to suppress religious expression or political opinion, but to ensure that freedom of religion and freedom of political choice are exercised responsibly and without creating fear or hostility among citizens.

“Our peace should never be taken for granted.”

He stressed the need for early intervention whenever conduct has the potential to create unnecessary tension.

Kumi has urged all stakeholders, including political parties, religious leaders and civil society organisations, to contribute to an environment in which Ghanaians can freely hold different political opinions while maintaining mutual respect and national peace.

The petitions are therefore an appeal for restraint, responsible religious leadership and the protection of Ghana’s democratic and peaceful traditions.