John Dramani Mahama's Rebranding Gains Support from Christian Leaders Amid Growing Opposition to Bawumia-Clergy

Despite the Church's former entrenched position against John Dramani Mahama (JDM), which contributed to his defeat in the 2016 elections and his improved performance in the 2020 elections, the candidate has successfully rebranded himself and his party in both conduct and speech. Though politicians may not be perfect, Mahama’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the Christian community.

The Church now recognizes Mahama's genuine support for Christendom:

JDM introduced the Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem, offering government incentives similar to the support provided for the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. He also initiated a government program to expand and refurbish mission hospitals. He made it a policy that the government should avoid building health facilities in close proximity to mission hospitals, acknowledging the long-standing service of these institutions to their communities. Mahama believed it would be unwise to build superior government hospitals nearby, as this would eventually lead to the collapse of mission hospitals. Unfortunately, this policy has been ignored and abandoned by the current administration of Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Mahama has remained consistent in maintaining relationships with his clergy friends, continuing to win over more hearts. He is known for his warm exchanges and photo opportunities with clergymen. When addressing Christian audiences, he often declares, "I am a devout Christian and a staunch member of the Assemblies of God Church." Among Muslims, he wisely emphasizes his tribal heritage.

Some prominent clergymen who were openly critical of his administration in 2016, including myself, Dr. Mensa Otabil, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, Prof. Emmanuel Martey, and Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, have since reconsidered their stance, realizing his good intentions. Many of these figures have either been silenced or won over by Mahama’s actions.

People were surprised when JDM invited journalists like Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Manasseh Azure Awuni, Captain Smart, and other outspoken critics of the NDC to his marriage anniversary, showcasing his ability to foster unity.

JDM's stance on the contentious issue of LGBTQ+ rights has become increasingly clear in recent times.

The efforts of prominent figures like Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Hon. Samuel George Nartey, and Hon. Hannah Bissiw in advocating against LGBTQI+ rights have won the admiration of the clergy and many Christians, as well as the general public, who support traditional family values.

The major Christian bodies, including the Catholic Bishops' Conference, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, and independent churches, have all voiced strong opposition to Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming elections. According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference, their opposition to Bawumia stems from biblical teachings, citing Deuteronomy 17:15, which says, "Do not set over you a foreigner, one who is not your countryman."

VOTING CHRISTIANLY

Rev. Emmanuel Boachie,

Country Director of Awesome Bible College

Head Pastor of Souls' Pasture Church, Kumasi, Asuofua-Achiaase off Barekese Road