by King Amoah.
In a profound statement delivered from Offinso in the Ashanti region, Dr. Baba Alhassan, a respected Islamic scholar, has issued a stark warning to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia regarding his political campaign tactics. Dr. Alhassan criticized what he perceives as a troubling pattern of falsehoods permeating Bawumia’s campaign messages, particularly in relation to the Islamic faith, which he emphasizes is rooted in truth.
Dr. Alhassan’s remarks come amid a politically charged atmosphere in Ghana, where the interplay of faith and politics often surfaces. He began by highlighting the inherent values of Islam, stating that the religion entirely stands for truth and transparency. It is in this context that the scholar expressed his concern over Bawumia’s recent claims regarding job creation under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
One of the specific assertions that raised eyebrows was Bawumia’s proclamation that the government has created 3.1 million jobs during its tenure. Dr. Alhassan questioned the validity of such a claim, especially in light of ongoing issues such as the government’s inability to pay the 10,000 National Buffer Stock Company (NABCO) workers they had recruited. This inconsistency in Bawumia’s statements and the broader political narrative prompted Alhassan to challenge the Vice President to provide verifiable statistics supporting his claims.
“Can Bawumia justify his claims with full statistics?” Dr. Alhassan asked. “If he can produce appointment letters for these supposed 3.1 million jobs, I urge him to present them through the media for public scrutiny.” The call for transparency reflects a deeper yearning for accountability within Ghana’s political framework.
Moreover, Dr. Alhassan articulated a pivotal question about the intersection of faith and politics. He emphasized that if Bawumia truly believes that the political narrative laden with falsehoods takes precedence over the teachings of Islam, which are anchored in truth, then he should consider withdrawing from the political arena. “If you cannot stand firm and speak the hard truth to Ghanaians, perhaps it would be better for you to resign peacefully and spare yourself the shame,” he urged.
This statement is not just a critique of one man’s political ambitions but a broader reflection on how political leaders negotiate the terrain of truth and trust in their engagements with the public. Dr. Alhassan’s stance serves as a reminder that while political maneuverings can often lean towards exaggeration, the fundamental tenets of Islam and the expectations of its followers are rooted in honesty.
In a time when political rhetoric can often muddy the waters of public discourse, voices like Dr. Baba Alhassan’s provide a crucial counter-narrative, urging leaders to align their political actions with the moral imperatives of truthfulness and integrity. As the political landscape unfolds in Ghana, the reconciliation of faith with political ambition will remain a key focus for both leaders and constituents alike.
