The Zongo Caucus has condemned Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, running mate to the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for nearly turning the Friday Prayers at the Central Mosque in Koforidua, into a rally ground.

According to the group, religious places are sacrosanct, therefore, should not be turned into political rally grounds as a sign of respect for God.

A statement issued and signed by Alhaji Armiyao Cole Younger, National Coordinator for the Zongo Caucus said: “The desperation of the NPP was at its peak when Dr Mahamudu Bawumia wanted to campaign even before the khutba was read, a practice that is prohibited in Islam.”

“This attempt of Dr Bawumia is the height of the religious and tribal bigotry that has characterised the campaign of the NPP. The matters of religion cannot be taken for granted in the quest of the opposition to capture political power. Politicians must learn to accord the due respect to the holy sanctuary of God. But it is rather shameful to note Dr Mahamudu Bawumia disregarding the doctrines of Islam, by trying to disrupt the Muslim Friday prayers at Koforidua in the Eastern Region with his campaign entourage. Allah (SAT) said in the holy Qur'an 72:18: ‘The mosques are for Allah's worship, so do not invoke anyone else along with Allah.’

“Dr Mahamudu, who has been touting his Muslim credentials, should be well informed about this verse of the holy Qur'an, and act accordingly with the command of Allah. But he shamelessly gave it a blind eye to achieve his political goal. As Muslims of this country, we would not welcome any act that would undermine the doctrine of our religion. If he is ignorant about Islam, we entreat him to get himself educated on the teachings of Islam. We commend the efforts of the good people of Koforidua for walking out on him to remind him that matters of religion cannot be toyed with.

“We as well call on Muslims across the country to emulate the good people of Koforidua by rejecting all forms of religious and tribal bigotry in this country. We demand that he apologises to all Muslims of this country for desecrating our holy place of worship with his political propaganda.”