Bawumia's destiny is in God's hands, not any pastor's, Muslim Forum declares
In a bold and spiritually charged response, the Ghana Muslim Forum for Peace and Unity has pushed back against Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah's recent threats aimed at former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. The Forum, armed with verses from both the Holy Qur'an and the Holy Bible, has declared the pastor's warnings hollow, empty, and ultimately blasphemous.
The message is clear: no single individual, regardless of their spiritual claims, holds the power to decide who becomes President of Ghana.
What did Rev Owusu Bempah say about Bawumia?
During a church service on Sunday, September 6, Rev Owusu Bempah reportedly claimed that Dr Bawumia cannot become President unless he, Owusu Bempah, gives his approval. He went further, threatening to spiritually terminate Bawumia's political career. This follows an earlier declaration on August 9, when he vowed to curse anyone who votes for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and insisted Bawumia would never lead the nation while he lives.
How the Muslim Forum responded with scripture
Rather than engaging in a war of words, the Muslim Forum chose a different approach: scripture. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, September 9, and signed by Executive Secretary Dr Zakari Abdul Rahman, the group systematically dismantled the pastor's claims using sacred texts from both faiths.
From the Qur'an, they cited Chapter 3, Verse 26:
“Say, O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honour whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is all good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.”
From the Bible, they quoted Psalm 75:6-7 and Daniel 2:21:
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Psalm 75:6-7)
“He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:21)
The Forum argued that these verses, drawn from two different faith traditions, deliver one unified message: sovereignty belongs to God alone.
A message of unity and faith
“If God has destined that Dr Bawumia will be President, Rev Owusu Bempah cannot stop it. If God has destined that he will not be President, Rev Owusu Bempah cannot make it happen either. His threat is therefore hollow,” the group stated.
The Forum described the pastor's attempt to position himself as the gatekeeper of Ghana's presidency as blasphemous, noting that he is arrogating to himself a power that belongs only to God.
They also addressed the religious undertones of the attack, suggesting that it stems not from Christian conviction but from personal animosity toward Bawumia as a Muslim who dares to aspire to lead Ghana. The Forum pointed out that Bawumia was elected NPP flagbearer by predominantly Christian delegates and received 42% of national votes in 2024, largely from Christian supporters.
“This proves that the dangerous anti-Muslim rhetoric he is pursuing is not supported by the majority of respected and enlightened pastors. It is backed only by a few divisive extremists who disguise their personal bitterness as fighting for the Church,” the Forum added.
What does this mean for Ghana's political future?
The Forum urged Dr Bawumia to remain calm and anchored in his faith, describing God as the Disposer of all affairs. They advised him to ignore what they called “the tantrums of a man who thinks he is God.”
The group concluded with a call to all Ghanaians, regardless of faith:
“We urge all well-meaning Ghanaians, Christians and Muslims, to reject this attempt to introduce religious bigotry into our politics. Ghana's peace is built on mutual respect, and no one man's hate should be allowed to destroy it.”
As Ghana continues to navigate its political landscape, this episode serves as a reminder that faith, when used correctly, can be a unifying force. The Forum's response demonstrates that even in the face of provocation, there is power in measured, scripture-based dialogue. The question now is whether such calls for unity will resonate beyond the headlines and into the hearts of the electorate.
