Ras Islam warns politicians against mixing religion with partisan politics

Afrobeat artiste Ras Islam has cautioned politicians against mixing religion with partisan politics, warning that the practice could undermine Ghana’s religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking in an interview with Neesim TV in Tamale, Ras Islam said using religion for political purposes could create divisions between Muslims and Christians and weaken social cohesion.

“Muslims and Christians have coexisted and lived peacefully together for centuries, but today some politicians are trying to destroy this long-standing relationship for political expediency,” he said.

Ras Islam cited the role of the National Chief Imam as an example of how religious leadership can remain separate from partisan politics.

“The Chief Imam does not belong to any political party, but I have seen people from both sides of the political divide going to him for prayers. Again, I have seen the Chief Imam together with other Christian leaders, and that is the beauty of humanity,” he stated.

The artiste was also speaking about his latest music video, Allah First, which he said seeks to address misconceptions about Islam and challenge extremists who use the religion to justify violence.

“Islam is peace, and I am using this music to tell the world about the beauty of Islam and to dispel misconceptions about the religion,” Ras Islam said.

He said his music seeks to promote messages of unity, social dignity and peaceful coexistence.

Ras Islam also appealed to residents of Bawku to unite and work towards peace and development in the area.

He urged stakeholders to prioritise unity and peaceful coexistence despite political and religious differences.