Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso and former Deputy Finance Minister, Stephen Amoah, has denied making any derogatory remarks against any religion, particularly Islam, following recent debates over religion and politics within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He described the circulating claims as false and misleading, stressing that his comments have been taken out of context.
He emphasized that people are spreading false information about him, attributing to him statements he never made. According to him, it is not true that he influenced former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent warning that religious politics is dangerous.
“It’s being said everywhere that I made a statement about religion that offends Islamic people. That is never true. I have never stood anywhere and spoken against anyone,” he said.
Stephen Amoah Clarifies Comments, Urges Religious Tolerance Ahead of NPP Presidential Primaries
He expressed concern over how misinformation is being used to create division in the country.
“In this world, people act as if there is no God. They continue to destroy Ghana and later blame others, saying Ghana is not growing,” he stated.
Mr. Amoah recounted a meeting at Kumasi Technical University, saying, “Some people support Bawumia, others support aspirants like Kennedy Agyapong. They kept asking, ‘Dr. Bawumia is around, so why wasn’t he present?’”
“I explained that one reason may be connected to 2028. I believe some people, especially Christians, may not realize that Islam is also from God. Muslims trace their roots to Ishmael, Abraham’s son, and Christians to Isaac, also Abraham’s son,” he explained.
He continued, “Even God spoke well of the Islamic people. When He told Ishmael and his mother to leave, He said, ‘I will multiply your seed like the sand of the sea.’ God also said that where valuable resources lie beneath the soil, that’s where they will settle. That is even where oil and gold are found. So, no one should think Islam is not from God. We all want our religions to grow, but we serve one God. Voting should never be based on religion.”
Mr. Amoah added, “What I said at the event has been twisted. I never spoke against any religion.”
He concluded, “If my words have been misrepresented or offended anyone, I sincerely apologize. The person should forgive me. The NPP must remember that whoever wins the upcoming presidential primaries, we remain united. Whether I said something or not, if it was misunderstood, I ask for forgiveness. I can never speak against anyone,” he said.
