Why John Dramani Mahama and Alan Kyerematen Will Appeal to Christian Voters in the Upcoming Elections

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is often viewed as a political chameleon. In church settings, he highlights his childhood association with Christianity, but in mosques, he has made comments that appear to ridicule Christian candidates.

Bawumia once proposed incentives for the clergy in recognition of their good works, only to later retract the statement during an appearance on TV3, claiming he was joking about incentivizing the church.

He has also appealed to his Muslim base by stating that electing him as president would amplify Muslim representation in the Jubilee House and bring more opportunities to Muslims and Zongo communities. During his campaign, he said, "I am your Muslim brother, and you must not fail me."

At the same time, there is an active national campaign for Bawumia among Muslim groups, with claims that some Islamic states are providing financial support for his campaign. For instance, a donation of $30 million from an Islamic state during the campaign season has raised concerns about foreign influence among Christian groups.

The Nana Addo-Bawumia administration has faced criticism from some Christian groups, especially following incidents like a Muslim student’s demand for Ramadan recognition in a Christian mission school. While mosques are allowed in mission schools, there are no churches in Islamic schools, and female students in these schools are required to wear hijabs.

There are growing concerns that if Bawumia becomes president, key national positions, such as Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, Army Commander, and others, could be dominated by Muslim leaders. This fear is compounded by the perception of an ongoing Islamization agenda.

Christian leaders, including those from the Church of Pentecost and Glorious Word Chapel, have expressed concerns about attacks on churches and Christians in the northern part of the country. There are also complaints that Christian crusades are restricted in Zongo communities, while Muslim preachers are permitted to preach near Christian churches.

Bawumia's increasing attendance at churches is seen by some as a political strategy. He was rarely seen in churches during his time as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana or as an opposition vice-presidential candidate. However, as his presidential aspirations grew, so did his presence in Christian settings.

The historical relationship between Christianity and Islam in Ghana is complex. Islam first arrived in the northern part of the country through trade and conversion efforts, but some traditional leaders resisted it, leading to the involvement of jihadists who used force to impose Islam. In contrast, Christian missionaries faced persecution in the south but focused on salvation and education, leading to their influence being more peacefully accepted.

A significant contrast remains in how religious conversions are viewed: while converting from Islam to Christianity is often seen as a taboo, conversions from Christianity to Islam are frequently celebrated.

As the 2024 elections approach, these religious tensions may shape the decisions of Christian voters, with candidates like John Dramani Mahama and Alan Kyerematen appealing to their concerns.

Credit: Rev. Emmanuel Boachie COUNTRY DIRECTOR of Awsome Bible College and HEADPASTOR of Souls' Pasture Church Kumasi Asuofua-ACHIASE off Barekese Rd.