Alhaji Umar Suallah, the Wenchi Municipal Deputy Chief Imam, has urged Muslim youth to refrain from engaging in any political activities that could tarnish the image of Islam as the 2024 election approaches. He emphasized the importance of remaining tolerant and working to redeem the peaceful image of the Islamic religion, which has unfortunately been associated with violence in recent times.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Alhaji Suallah cautioned Zongo youth against succumbing to pressures from politicians or political parties who may attempt to lure them with gifts or money to disrupt the electoral process. He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and love, and the actions of Muslim youth during the election could either enhance or tarnish its reputation.
The advice from Alhaji Suallah comes after some Islamic leaders and Imams offered prayers in support of Dr. Mathew Opoku-Prempeh, the Minister of Energy and Member of Parliament for Manhyia in the Ashanti Region, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Election 2024 Running-mate in Wenchi, Bono Region.
Alhaji Issa Ibrahim Bamba, the Wenchi Municipal Chief Imam, led the prayers and expressed confidence that Allah would grant Dr. Opoku-Prempeh's appointment as the running mate. He encouraged Dr. Opoku-Prempeh to maintain his faith in Allah and continue serving with dedication.
While Islamic leaders and Imams do not engage in partisan politics, they expressed readiness to support any government committed to developing and improving the lives of the people.
Mr. Richard Kwadwo Adu, a leading member of the NPP in the Wenchi constituency, expressed optimism that Dr. Opoku-Prempeh would be selected as the NPP's running mate for the 2024 election. He described Dr. Opoku-Prempeh as the ideal candidate to complement Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia and ensure victory for the NPP.