Article Title: Dangerous Rhetoric
ASSUMPTA ONLINE NEWS MAGAZINE
Journalism of Neglected Topics by
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The Perils of Divisive Language by Mr. Duncan Williams
A recent statement attributed to Mr. Duncan Williams, in which he suggested, “Ghana is a Christian country, so Christians should unite and vote Bawumia out,” has sparked significant concern. Such divisive rhetoric endangers the religious tolerance and national unity that Ghana has long embraced. As a nation rich in diverse religious communities, peaceful coexistence is central to our identity. Remarks like these risk fracturing the harmony that holds us together. Public figures, in particular, must be conscious of the weight of their words and avoid promoting exclusionary ideas. The focus must remain on unity, not division, to preserve the peace and cohesion that are the bedrock of Ghana’s future.
The Wisdom of Ghanaian Humanism: No More Division in Ghana
By Berla Mundi
Ghana’s strength, much like a tree’s, is rooted in unity, not in the soil of division. Our nation’s progress does not arise from sowing discord but from the shared values of respect and common humanity. President Nana Akufo-Addo has championed this wisdom of Ghanaian humanism, fostering inclusion and tolerance in our diverse society. In response to divisive rhetoric, such as Mr. Duncan Williams’ recent call for Christians to vote against Dr. Bawumia, we must remember that Ghana’s real strength lies in unity. Only by rising together can we ensure a future of peace, harmony, and prosperity for all.
Nana Akufo-Addo on Unity and Ghanaian Humanism
“As President of Ghana, I have always advocated for unity and peace among all citizens, regardless of their religious or political affiliations. Ghana’s strength lies in its diversity, not in division. The recent divisive rhetoric surrounding Mr. Duncan Williams’ statement underscores the need for unity. Our nation’s future depends on our ability to live together in harmony, guided by the principles of tolerance, inclusion, and respect for all.”
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Prologue
Welcome to Assumpta Online News Magazine, where we explore neglected topics that shape our society. In this edition, we focus on the dangers of divisive rhetoric and stress the importance of unity in Ghana’s socio-political landscape. As our nation grows, its strength continues to lie not in division, but in the collective power of our diversity.
Our lead article addresses Mr. Duncan Williams’ controversial statement, which has sparked a national conversation on religious tolerance and political unity. In addition, we feature a reflective piece by Berla Mundi, highlighting President Nana Akufo-Addo’s efforts to promote Ghanaian humanism—an inclusive philosophy grounded in unity and respect. As rhetoric threatens to divide us, we are reminded that our nation’s future depends on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Mahmoud Bawumia on Faith and Unity
As Ghana’s Vice President, Mahmoud Bawumia has often spoken of the importance of faith in fostering societal values and development. In a recent address, he affirmed:
“Through our actions, the NPP party has demonstrated tangible proof of our faith. Our Islamic faith is not just a religion for religion’s sake; it is deeply intertwined with the service of humanity. That is why we prioritize the well-being of every Ghanaian, striving for a just, prosperous, and compassionate nation for all.”
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These sentiments highlight the inclusive vision the NPP party continues to uphold—a commitment to serving all citizens, regardless of their religious backgrounds.
As Ghana approaches a crucial political moment, it is imperative that both leaders and citizens remember the power of unity over division. We invite you to reflect on these essential themes as we work together to build a peaceful, prosperous, and united future for all Ghanaians.
The Christian Council Organising Conflict: A Critical Observation
As Assumpta Newsletter Magazine has carefully observed, election tensions and conflicts in Ghana do not simply emerge out of nowhere—they are incited, aggravated, and organized until they escalate into outright violence. This cycle of division and hatred is not a spontaneous occurrence but often fueled by external forces.
In recent times, we have witnessed troubling signs that figures such as Mr. Duncan Williams, along with the Christian Council of Ghana, are playing a dangerous role in deepening divisions within our nation. Their rhetoric, promoting exclusion and religious bias, appears to be aimed at inciting tension during a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic process. By urging Christians to unite against Dr. Bawumia based on religious grounds, they are promoting a divisive agenda that threatens national unity.
Such actions risk undermining the peace and tolerance that have long been cornerstones of Ghana’s identity. The Christian Council, instead of nurturing unity, seems to be stoking the flames of discord. This behaviour is not just irresponsible but also deeply harmful to the fabric of our society.
However, there is a path forward. The Christian Council must seize this moment to reflect and redirect its influence toward fostering peace and harmony, not division. It is an opportunity for them to earn and retain the respect of all Ghanaians, not just Christians, by recognizing that the nation’s leadership—particularly the NPP—has committed to addressing the needs of all human beings, regardless of their faith. The focus should not be on promoting one religion over another but on the collective well-being of the entire nation.
To bring about peace, the Christian Council must act as a beacon of unity. The call for peace and tolerance must be louder than any divisive rhetoric, ensuring that all Ghanaians, regardless of religious background, can work together for the common good. The future of Ghana depends on such leadership, and it is critical that religious institutions rise to the challenge of promoting harmony, not hate.
Dialogue with Berla Mundi, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
Berla Mundi:
Good afternoon, Mr. President and Vice President. It’s a privilege to have you both here today for this important conversation on national unity. As you know, recent statements by Mr. Duncan Williams and the Christian Council have raised concerns about the growing rhetoric of division, particularly as it relates to religious tensions in Ghana. We’d like to explore your thoughts on this and how we can preserve unity as we approach the upcoming elections.
Nana Akufo-Addo:
Good afternoon, Berla. It’s always a pleasure to engage with you on these crucial issues. Unity is the cornerstone of Ghana’s progress, and as President, I’ve consistently advocated for peace and inclusion across all sectors of society. The recent rhetoric, particularly from religious figures, is indeed troubling, and we must address it head-on if we are to maintain the harmony that defines us as a nation.
Mahamudu Bawumia:
Good afternoon, Berla, and thank you for this opportunity. As Vice President, and as someone deeply invested in the unity of our nation, I share the President’s concern about the divisive language we’ve been hearing lately. Religion should never be a source of division but a guiding principle for compassion and service to humanity. This is not just about Islam or Christianity—it’s about ensuring that all Ghanaians, regardless of faith, feel included and valued.
Berla Mundi:
Thank you, both. Mr. President, you mentioned how troubling this rhetoric is. In the recent statement attributed to Mr. Duncan Williams, he suggested that Christians should unite to vote against Dr. Bawumia, implying a religious bias in the electoral process. How do you respond to this kind of rhetoric, especially considering Ghana’s long history of religious tolerance?
Nana Akufo-Addo:
Berla, such statements are deeply disappointing and undermine the very fabric of our democracy. Ghana has been a model of religious tolerance, where Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups coexist peacefully. When public figures, especially those with significant influence, use their platform to sow division based on religion, it threatens not only our national unity but also the democratic process itself. We must remain focused on building a society where people are judged by their capabilities and dedication to service, not by their religion.
Berla Mundi:
Dr. Bawumia, the rhetoric directly targets you, calling for Christians to unite against your candidacy on religious grounds. How do you view this situation, and what message would you like to send to Ghanaians at this moment?
Mahamudu Bawumia:
Berla, this is not a personal issue for me but a national one. My Islamic faith teaches me about service, compassion, and the importance of uplifting society as a whole. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is committed to serving all Ghanaians, regardless of their faith or background. Our government has worked to improve the lives of people in every region, from every religious group. I believe that in the end, Ghanaians will judge leadership not by our religion but by our actions and the impact we’ve had on their lives. I urge my fellow citizens to reject any call for division and instead focus on our shared values as Ghanaians.
Berla Mundi:
Thank you, Dr. Bawumia. Mr. President, the Christian Council holds significant influence in Ghana. What role do you think they should play in this situation? Should they be leading the call for unity, and how can they help to de-escalate these tensions?
Nana Akufo-Addo:
The Christian Council, like all religious institutions in Ghana, has a vital role in maintaining peace and promoting unity. Religion, after all, is supposed to be a force for good—a source of moral guidance that promotes love, respect, and understanding among all people. The Council should use its influence to foster dialogue and reconciliation, not division. This election should not be an occasion to tear apart the social fabric of our country, but rather a moment where all of us—Christians, Muslims, and others—come together for the common good.
Berla Mundi:
I completely agree, Mr. President. What advice would you give to the Christian Council, and to other religious leaders, in terms of their involvement in the political process?
Nana Akufo-Addo:
I would urge the Christian Council, and all religious leaders, to remember that their influence is immense. They have the power to either unite or divide. I would encourage them to use this moment to emphasize our shared humanity and our shared goals for a better Ghana. Religious leaders should be voices of peace, reminding their congregations that we are all part of the same nation, working towards the same future. Involving themselves in divisive politics weakens their moral authority and damages the very peace they are entrusted to promote.
Berla Mundi:
That’s a powerful message, Mr. President. Dr. Bawumia, how do you think we, as a society, can counter this divisive rhetoric and strengthen the bonds that hold us together as Ghanaians?
Mahamoud Bawumia:
Berla, it starts with education and dialogue. We need to remind people of the values that unite us: our shared history, our shared culture, and our shared hopes for the future. Religious institutions, schools, and community leaders all have a role to play in promoting mutual respect and understanding. In government, we are committed to creating policies that uplift every Ghanaian, ensuring that no one feels left behind or excluded based on their religion or ethnicity. We must continue to work together to build a country where diversity is seen as our strength, not a weakness.
Berla Mundi:
Thank you both for your insights. As we close, is there a final message you’d like to share with Ghanaians as we approach this critical election period?
Nana Akufo-Addo:
My message to Ghanaians is simple: Let’s choose peace over division, unity over hatred. Elections are a time to express our democratic rights, but they should not be used as a tool to divide us. We are one people, with one destiny. Let’s continue to build a future where every Ghanaian, regardless of their background, can thrive.
Mahamoud Bawumia:
I echo the President’s words. Ghanaians, we are stronger together. Let us focus on what unites us and reject any attempts to divide us. Our diversity is our strength, and together, we can achieve greatness for our country.
Berla Mundi:
Thank you, Mr. President, and Dr. Bawumia, for your time and your commitment to fostering unity in Ghana. We hope that the message of peace and inclusion will resonate across the country as we move forward.
