Accra, Ghana — New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reignited national debate on religion and leadership after referencing the Bible to justify his presidential ambition.
Drawing parallels from scripture, Dr. Bawumia noted that King Cyrus of Persia, who was not a Jew, was nonetheless chosen by God to lead and liberate God’s people. According to him, this biblical example proves that leadership under God’s will is not limited by religion.
“If God chose King Cyrus, who was not a Jew, to lead Persia, then that same God can choose Dr. Bawumia, who is a Muslim, to lead Ghana,” he stated.
The Vice President’s comment comes amid ongoing discussions within political and religious circles about whether Ghana is ready to be led by a non-Christian president. Supporters say his statement promotes religious tolerance and national unity, while critics argue it mixes faith with politics.
Ghana, constitutionally a secular state, has long prided itself on peaceful religious coexistence. Dr. Bawumia’s remarks appear aimed at reassuring voters that competence, vision, and integrity — not religious affiliation — should be the basis for leadership.
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the statement is expected to further energize political discourse across the country.
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Both Christians and Muslims voted for him to be their Vice President indeed, a Vice Father not on the basis of religious persuasion, but on demonstrated character and moral virtue. That choice was anchored in trust, integrity, and proven leadership, not creed.
The godly truth is this: once entrusted with such responsibility, a leader no longer belongs to himself alone but to the people placed under his care. As a shepherd of the nation, he has the moral right and civic duty to stand with citizens wherever they may be, whenever duty calls, and however service is required. His faith does not circumscribe his presence, because leadership transcends private belief and is ultimately accountable to public trust.
There is no religion in heaven as a political category, just as religion alone is not and should never be the determining factor in marriage. Rather, character, humility, fidelity, and affability are the enduring measures. Any persuasion that disciplines human conduct into righteousness, compassion, and service to humanity reflects the attributes of God and is therefore upheld by Him.
Scripture itself affirms this principle: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it as unto God.” This is the true basis of judgment not labels, but conduct.
Both the Bible and the Qur’an were written under divine inspiration and authority. Over centuries, the Bible has been subjected to extensive commentary, interpretation, and scholarly engagement for theological and spiritual inquiry. The Qur’an, by contrast, has largely remained preserved in its original textual form, approached primarily as a sacred and immutable revelation. These differences in transmission and engagement do not diminish faith; rather, they remind us that God judges not by religious affiliation, but by righteousness expressed in service to humanity.