Why Dr. Bawumia’s latest church-building gesture has shamed the bigots who are building walls of division

In recent weeks, some self-proclaimed defenders of faith have made loud claims that Ghanaian Muslim leader Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is not suited to lead the country, arguing that Ghana is a "Christian country." To silence these bigots, Dr. Bawumia recently commissioned the construction of a new St. Jude's Catholic Church in Weija, Accra. The new church, built by Bawumia himself, will serve both Christians and cured lepers at the Weija leprosarium.

The significance of this gesture lies in the stark contrast to the bigotry Bawumia's critics have been spewing. Rather than using the opportunity to promote division, Bawumia has quietly built a house of God for the Christian community, following a long-standing promise he made to his friend, Father Andrew Campbell, a renowned Catholic priest and founder of the Lepers Aid Centre.

Father Campbell revealed that Bawumia has been a pillar of support for his charity work, providing assistance without seeking publicity. This pattern of interfaith respect has become a consistent theme throughout Bawumia's public life. He has not only built mosques as a devout Muslim but has also contributed to the construction of churches across the country, emphasizing that he does not view Christian projects as "their" projects.

During election years and beyond, Bawumia has consistently attended church programs, offering generous support as a guest speaker. His friendship with Father Campbell, a man dedicated to caring for lepers who have been abandoned by society, is particularly noteworthy. Campbell has described Bawumia as a man whose "generosity and compassion knows no religious boundary."

This remarkable story highlights the true nature of Ghana's diversity, where mosques and churches coexist harmoniously. True Ghanaian leadership should be based on competence, patriotism, and character, rather than religious beliefs. By embracing diversity and respecting different faiths, Dr. Bawumia sets an example for all Ghanaians to follow.