Bawumia’s victory shows Ghana is a democracy, not a theocracy

The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Shaikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has congratulated former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on his victory in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primary.

In a message issued on behalf of the Muslim community, signed by Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, His Eminence commended Dr. Bawumia for emerging as the winner in a keenly contested primary involving four other aspirants.

Mahamudu Bawumia was elected as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 presidential election during the party’s congress held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The Chief Imam also praised the NPP for conducting a peaceful and orderly congress, urging party members to see the process as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to internal democracy, constitutional normalcy, and interfaith harmony.

“The decision of the delegates is a clear manifestation that Ghana is not a theocracy but a democracy beautified by religious pluralism,” His Eminence stated.

He further lauded the other aspirants for conceding defeat in a spirit of unity and reconciliation.

“Indeed, they have demonstrated that in a civilized democratic institution such as the NPP, approaches to intra-party contests are plural, but the ultimate objective remains singular,” the Chief Imam emphasized.

He also commended the Ghana Police Service and the Electoral Commission for their transparency, accountability, and objectivity during the conduct of the primaries.

Reiterating the importance of democratic consolidation, His Eminence reminded Ghanaians that democracy is a shared responsibility.

“When we all play our roles effectively in pursuit of democratic prosperity, in the end, we will not remember the discomfort of our individual struggles, but the comfort of our collective success.”