CSO condemns religious intolerance comment by Ningo Prampram MP

The Centre for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS Africa), a Non-governmental organization has condemned religious tolerance comments made by the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Mr Sam Nartey George against the Vice President.

According to them, describing the vice president, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia as a religious prostitute was reckless and posed a direct threat to the country’s democracy and peace.

In a statement signed by the Director of Research and Policy at CDS Africa, Dr. Abena Boateng, and copied to RGG News today, she stated that the Vice President's exemplary tolerance towards the Christian faith despite being a Muslim demonstrates the importance of religious coexistence.

“So, for anyone or a group to abuse the value of such an investment on the altar of politics is the height of opportunism and insensitivity,” she stressed.

She added that the peace and security enjoyed by Ghanaians despite the prevalence of activities of religious extremism in the sub-region was due to the inherent religious tolerance at all levels.

Dr Boateng further charged the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to unreservedly condemn and dissociate itself from the insensitive comments made against Dr Bawumia by the MP for Ningo Prampram.

“We ask that the former President and flagbearer, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, direct Hon. Sam Nartey George unconditionally retract and render an unqualified public apology for the offensive comment,” she said.

Dr Boateng stated that the intervention of the leadership of the NDC in this matter would send strong signals to other political commentators to remain circumspect in their submissions.

“CDS Africa invites the Christian and Muslim communities, the National Peace Council, and civil society organizations to unite in their condemnation of this and all forms of degenerative political speech likely to undermine the democracy, peace, and security of Ghana,” she said.