Campaigning along religious lines is a threat to national cohesion- Prez of Acrossfaiths Foundation to politicians

President of the Acrossfaiths Foundation, a volunteer Nonprofit, Nongovernmental Organization dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among all religious groups in Ghana, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Borlabi Bortey, has cautioned leadership of the various political parties to avoid campaigning on religious lines.

According to the President of the Foundation who doubles as the Bishop of the Methodist Diocese of Accra, even though members of the foundation deeply appreciate the various political leaders for their unwavering commitment to nurturing religious tolerance in Ghana there is the need to guide against campaigning on religious grounds.

“It’s very dangerous to conduct political campaigns along religious lines. Such actions threaten to divide our nation and undermine the progress we have made in fostering religious tolerance,” he added

Addressing the media at a press briefing on the launch of the Acrossfaiths foundation on Thursday, July 204, in Accra, Rt Rev. urged all Ghanaians to uphold the spirit of religious tolerance and harmony as the nation approaches the election season.

“It is imperative that we come together as one nation, respecting the diverse beliefs and practices that enrich our society.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our political leaders for their unwavering commitment to nurturing religious tolerance in Ghana. Their efforts have been instrumental in promoting peace and unity among our people.

However, the Acrossfaiths Foundation expresses concern over the tendency of some political parties to seek identification with specific religious bodies. We strongly believe that political campaigns should not be conducted along religious lines. Such actions threaten to divide our nation and undermine the progress we have made in fostering religious tolerance.” Rt. Rev. Borlabi Bortey reiterated.

On his part the Vice President of the Foundation, and President of the president of the Supreme Council of Ga-East Zongo and Tribal chiefs, Sariki Alhaji Yussif Iddriss Madingo, admonished the youth not to allow themselves to be used negatively by any politician going into the December 7th polls.

“As youth what is important now is to focus on your studies, vocational training or any other activities you are engaged in so as to become what you want to become tomorrow,” he added

Speaking in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of presser, the Communications Director of the foundation, Mr. Franklin Asare-Donkoh explained why there is the need for the formation of the foundation.

“When you look around us, all the countries Ghana is surrounded by are in one form of conflict or another because there was no body or grounds like ours to educate the public especially the youth on the need for peace, stability and peaceful coexistence.

We don’t want to get to that stage before we think of what to do to remedy the crisis. Thus birth of the foundation to begin with the education and advocacy.”

Mr. Asare-Donkoh used the opportunity to cordially invites the general public to its official outdoor of the Foundation which is slated to take place on 11th July 2024 at 9:30am

The venue for this groundbreaking ceremony is the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Conference Hall, University of Ghana.

Below is the full statement read by the president of the foundation.

Press Statement Ahead of the Launch of Acrossfaiths Foundation**

**For Immediate Release**

**Accra, Ghana – July 4, 2024**

The Acrossfaiths Foundation is pleased to announce its official launch, scheduled for July 11, 2024. The grand event will take place at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research at the university of Ghana in Accra, where we are honored to host an array of esteemed guests, including the President of Ghana, traditional chiefs, prominent clergy members, the National Chief Imam, and other high dignitaries.

The Acrossfaiths Foundation is dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among all religious groups in Ghana. As we approach the election season, we urge all Ghanaians to uphold the spirit of religious tolerance and harmony. It is imperative that we come together as one nation, respecting the diverse beliefs and practices that enrich our society.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our political leaders for their unwavering commitment to nurturing religious tolerance in Ghana. Their efforts have been instrumental in promoting peace and unity among our people.

However, the Acrossfaiths Foundation expresses concern over the tendency of some political parties to seek identification with specific religious bodies. We strongly believe that political campaigns should not be conducted along religious lines. Such actions threaten to divide our nation and undermine the progress we have made in fostering religious tolerance.

We call on all political parties to refrain from using religious affiliations as a tool for political gain. Instead, let us focus on policies and initiatives that promote the well-being of all Ghanaians, regardless of their faith.

As we launch the Acrossfaiths Foundation, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. We believe that by working together, we can build a peaceful and inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Join us on July 11, 2024, at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research at the university of Ghana in Accra, as we embark on this important journey towards a more tolerant and united Ghana.

By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH

**For media inquiries, please contact:**

[Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Borlabi Bortey]

[President]

Acrossfaiths Foundation

[Franklin Asare-Donkoh]

[Communications Director]

Story: Kwadwo BUABENG