President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to be cautious of false narratives intended to stir up religious tensions ahead of the December 7 General Election.

He said that the country’s long-standing values of religious harmony, tolerance, unity, and good neighbourliness should not be undermined by divisive stereotypes.

The President condemned a viral video showing a clergyman advising Ghanaians not to vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, due to his Muslim faith, calling it highly regrettable.

Speaking at a large rally in Accra to close the Party’s campaign for the 2024 elections, he strongly criticized the clergyman’s actions.

“I am amazed that a man of God who is supposed to be tolerant and loves all humanity could make such a statement,” he noted.

President Nana Akufo-Addo said the public should not countenance such utterances calculated to cause disaffection and tension.

“We have lived in harmony all these years in this country. Churches, mosques, Imams, priests, all of us have lived in harmony” he said.

He noted that the country’s long-standing peaceful coexistence has been rooted in the unity of purpose shared by its people over the years.

“We see what is happening to our neighbours, what religious divisions are provoking in these countries.

“We don’t want anybody to disrupt the peace we are enjoying,” the President noted, urging former President and flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, to also come out clear in condemning the clergyman’s utterances.

Ghana is recognized as one of the most peaceful nations in sub-Saharan Africa, standing out amid the escalating politico-religious and tribal conflicts affecting many other countries in the region.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding this peace as the country prepares for the upcoming General Election, where Ghanaians will elect a new President and Members of Parliament.

Under the Fourth Republican Constitution, Ghana’s democratic system has been resilient for over three decades, successfully conducting eight elections since 1992.

Political analysts predict a close race between Dr Bawumia of the ruling NPP and former President Mahama, the NDC flagbearer, who is attempting a comeback after two consecutive defeats in 2016 and 2020.

The NPP has accused the main opposition party of resorting to tribal and religious politics to incite tension ahead of the 2024 elections.

President Nana Akufo-Addo described this strategy as a sign of the NDC’s desperation for power, urging Ghanaians to reject such divisive tactics at the polls.

Dr. Bawumia, the first Muslim and individual of northern descent to lead the NPP as its flagbearer, is seen by the Party leadership as a symbol of its inclusive nature, reflecting the diversity and broad-minded beliefs of the Party.