Leadership of the Ahmadiya Muslim Community rejected an attempt by K.T Hammond to campaign for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the ‘President of Ghana.
The incident unfolded amidst the backdrop of the convention’s theme, “A Century of Islamic Revival in Ghana,” marking a significant milestone in the Mission’s history. However, the celebratory atmosphere was marred when Hammond, seizing an opportunity, commandeered the microphone to tout Bawumia’s candidacy for the presidency in 2025.
In a bold assertion, Hammond proclaimed, “The president of the Republic of Ghana come in January 2025, Mr. current vice president president-to-be,” before being interrupted by Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, the head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana.
Bin Salih swiftly disavowed Hammond’s statements, emphasizing that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community dissociated itself from political endorsements. “We members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community completely disown the statement that the Hon. KT Hammond has made. He has expressed his own political desires,” Bin Salih clarified, reiterating the community’s commitment to a leader capable of restoring Ghana’s stature on the global stage.
Interestingly, Vice President Bawumia himself was present at the event and seated right next to Bin Salih, but that did not stop the religious leader from stating his point before returning to resume his seat.
The clash of opinions underscores the complexities of blending religious gatherings with political agendas. While the convention serves as a platform for spiritual rejuvenation and communal bonding, the intrusion of political discourse highlights the challenges of maintaining neutrality in such settings.
As Ghana approaches the 2025 elections, the incident at the Ahmadiyya convention serves as a poignant reminder of the divergent views shaping the nation’s political landscape. It prompts reflection on the appropriate boundaries between religious affiliation and partisan advocacy, raising pertinent questions about the role of faith-based communities in the democratic process.
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