Vice Chairman of the Muslim Caucus in Parliament, Yusif Sulemana, has criticised his Chairman, Farouk Mahama, for issuing a statement to condemn the Ningo-Prampram MP's supposed inappropriate comments against the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mr Sulemana, who also represents Bole in Parliament, stated that the Chairman's statement does not reflect the views of the entire caucus, but rather represents his "selfish interests."

In a counter-statement released on Thursday, November 9, 2023, the Vice Chairman urged his chairman to focus on ways the caucus can promote religious tolerance rather than the opposite.

He emphasised that any deviation from this path could have detrimental effects on the development of Ghana's growing democracy, and should not be supported by well-meaning Ghanaians.

Mr Sulemana clarified, "My attention, as the Vice Chairman of the Muslim Caucus of Ghana’s Parliament, has been drawn to a press release on the above subject, purportedly issued by Farouk Aliu Mahama on behalf of the Caucus. From the outset, I wish to categorically state that the said press release is the personal and self-serving effusions of Farouk and does not represent any communication from the Association."

"As Vice Chair, I and the majority of other members are not aware or have not attended any meeting at which the decision was taken to issue the above statement. As someone that calls for equity on the basis of religious morality, it is dishonourable and immoral to use the name of a religious association like the Muslim Caucus, untruthfully, to pursue parochial political interests," he added.

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Farouk Mahama, the Chairman of the committee, had previously issued a statement on Wednesday, November 8, condemning the alleged comments by Sam George, and urged him to refrain from making similar statements in the future. The Yendi MP argued that Sam George's comments contributed to unfair treatment based on an individual's religious beliefs.

He stated, "As Chairman of the Muslim Caucus in Parliament, I strongly condemn the religious bigotry statement made by Sam George against Vice-President Bawumia. Such remarks are not only offensive but also perpetuate stereotypes, discrimination, and unfair treatment based on an individual's religious beliefs."

"Religious tolerance and inclusivity are fundamental principles that should guide any democratic society. By engaging in religious bigotry, Sam George undermines these principles and contributes to the division within our society. We call for respectful and inclusive discourse that focuses on the ideas, policies, and actions of individuals rather than their religious background. It is imperative that we promote understanding and acceptance of diversity in all its forms, including religious diversity."

However, this statement has been vehemently rejected by his Vice Chairman.