The Member of Parliament for Bongo, Edward Bawa has criticised Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin for urging Muslims to vote for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia based on their shared religious identity, calling the statement irresponsible.

Mr Afenyo-Markin who made the call while speaking following Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia's filing of his nomination, also accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of marginalising Muslims by removing Haruna Iddrisu from his role as Minority Leader.

• Read also: Mustapha Gbande slams Afenyo-Markin, says NDC won’t base its campaign on religion

But the Bongo MP said the current leadership of the Majority in Parliament is known for making such divisive statements.

He pointed out that recently, during an emergency parliamentary session, the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, claimed that the NDC had caused more environmental damage through galamsey activities than the NPP.

• Read also: Galamsey: NDC polluted water more than us – Annoh Dompreh

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Mr Bawa said, “Just two or three days ago, we condemned in Parliament the comment made by their whip—about the fact that 'you have polluted water more than us'—to the extent that the Ghana Bar Association president felt the need to address it in his speech. You have the same thing happening in the leadership. It is so irresponsible."

He stated that Ghana is a secular state and that positions should be filled based on merit, not religion or background.

 Mr Bawa, although a Christian, opposed the removal of Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader due to his disagreement with the party's position on some matters.

The MP added that introducing religion into political matters has historically led to conflict in many nations and therefore advised that caution is needed.

“Let us be very careful about that. This is an area that has led many countries to war. I expect someone like Afenyo-Markin to be circumspect when discussing this subject. Let us assess people based on what they can do.”