Bawumia’s presidency is not an Islamic project – Mustapha Hamid

Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, a religious scholar and the First National Vice Chairman aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has refuted allegations that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's presidential aspirations are part of a plan to transform Ghana into an Islamic state. Speaking at the 2026 Liberty Lecture organized by the Danquah Institute in Accra, Dr Abdul-Hamid highlighted that the voting patterns of Muslim Ghanaians in the 2024 presidential election indicated that religious affiliation does not dictate political choices.

He emphasized that religious identity does not automatically equate to political allegiance. Dr Abdul-Hamid pointed out that several Muslim-dominated constituencies, such as Ayawaso East, Ayawaso North, Asawasi, Ejura, Tamale North, Tamale Central, Tamale South, and Sagnarigu, voted overwhelmingly for President John Dramani Mahama, a Christian, over Dr Bawumia.

He cautioned against interpreting Bawumia's presidential bid as a religious project, stating that the former Vice President's focus has primarily been on economic and national development. Dr Abdul-Hamid also debunked the notion that introducing Arabic as an optional subject in basic schools was part of an Islamization agenda, clarifying that Arabic is a separate language from Islam.

He argued that learning Arabic could open doors to international commerce, diplomacy, education, and investment opportunities. Additionally, Dr Abdul-Hamid dismissed concerns about interest-free banking, asserting that Islamic banking would enhance financial options for the population rather than force religious practices upon them.

He stressed the importance of Ghanaians resisting attempts to manipulate religious differences for political gain, particularly as the 2028 general election approaches. Dr Abdul-Hamid urged the electorate to evaluate political candidates based on their competence, character, and ability to govern rather than their religious backgrounds.