The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S.M. Torto, has urged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to press on and not allow detractors to derail his political efforts.
He said the Vice President’s continuous engagement with the Christian community, as well as members of all other tribes and faiths, despite being a Muslim, marked him out as a leader worth supporting and emulating.
He said, “Your kind is the political leadership we want as a nation. Leadership that recognises that respect for people irrespective of faith, religion, and ethnicity in a manner that fosters national cohesion, is what we desire and deserve as a people. There is light ahead of you and only God can put that light off. No man, I mean no man can dim your light.”
Speaking at the Easter Service in Accra where Dr. Bawumia was in attendance, the Bishop said, “Good leadership is not about what faith one belongs to. It is not about whether one belongs to a minority tribe, ethnicity or faith. In fact, for us as Christians, the best gift God gave us did not come from a majority tribe or ethnic group. Neither did it come from the rich family. Otherwise, the Virgin Mary would not have been the one to give birth to Jesus. Mary and Joseph also came from minority and non-recognisable tribes and families and yet they gave birth to the saviour.
“Today, we are privileged to have in our midst the Vice President of the Republic, H.E Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Even more refreshing and noteworthy is the fact that he is a Muslim but chose to worship with us on the day of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I take pride to say that such a unique leader, who believes in religious tolerance and acceptance, is the number two gentleman of my country.”
“Mr. Vice President, I do not intend to flatter you but I just say the whole world, the entirety of Ghana and the Christian community has taken a keen interest in your humility, respect for people and the diligence with which you approach your work. Your kind is the kind of political leadership we want as a nation. Leadership that recognises that respect for people irrespective of faith, religion or ethnicity in a manner that fosters national cohesion, is what we desire and deserve as a people.”
Rt. Rev. Torto said, “I know God brought you from your humble beginning to this point for a purpose. Be assured that his purpose for you in life on this earth is not yet done. Therefore, do not be perturbed by the sayings of those who can only talk doom for your future. We will continue to keep you in prayers and the Lord Jesus for whose resurrection you are celebrating with us today shall surely come to your rescue at the right time.”