A video of former President John Mahama reciting Islamic prayers with Muslims has surfaced on social media.

Mr Mahama was addressing Ghanaians at Friday Muslim prayers.

In his speech, he said: ""Let me thank you all, very much, for making the time to join us from all over the country and beyond for today’s Friday prayers. This is coming just two days after the entire country fasted and prayed for the Almighty God and Allah’s intervention as our country goes through this challenge with the coronavirus pandemic.

"For us in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the millions of sympathisers and supporters across the country, we are very happy to be joining in this national effort towards seeking God’s presence and intervention.  Last Sunday, from this very venue, I hosted our Christian brothers and sisters. And I wish to thank my fathers, the National Chief Imam, Maulvi Bin Salih, Sheikh Umar, and all of you who joined us today for your time, and the commitment to a national cause."

Former Deputy General Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has dug up the footage of the event that took place in April 2022 to address a recent issue of "religious tolerance" ahead of the country's next polls.

Discussions about the 2024 elections have primarily revolved around Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former president and 2024 flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Amidst this, Ningo-Prampram MP, Samuel Nartey George, has labeled the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as "a religious prostitute" due to his closeness with the Christian community despite being a Muslim.

This comment has faced condemnation, particularly from those in government, who argue that such statements risk breaking religious unity and tolerance in the country.

Wading into the conversation, Mr Anyidoho in a post on X on November 17, described Mr Mahama, the NDC's 2024 flagbearer as a "religious harlot".

He explained that the former President is also complicit in the allegations levelled against Dr Bawumia by Mr Nartey George as history recounts him reciting Muslim prayers despite being a Christian.

"When you are a Leader and fail to rebuke the ill-bred children in your midst, you end up carrying the stench of the feces. Per what Sam George said about Veep Bawumia, then John Mahama too is a religious harlot for being a supposed Christian & reciting Muslim prayers," he wrote.

Meanwhile, former United Nations Envoy to West Africa and the Sahel Region, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has advised Ghanaians to exercise caution regarding divisive religious and ethnic sentiments ahead of the 2024 general election.

Speaking at the "Empowering Citizens and Enriching Nation-Building" forum organized by Star Ghana at the British Council in Accra on Friday, November 10, Dr. Chambas stressed that the selection of the country's leaders should go beyond religious and ethnic considerations. He emphasized that citizens should evaluate political parties based on their messages, policy suggestions, and strategies for managing the nation's affairs.

He stated, “The commitment to the betterment of our country is a collective responsibility and must transcend political, religious, and ethnic boundaries. Unfortunately, we are seeing some divisive tendencies in our society, and we must all be careful about them, especially when we have elections in 2024. When it comes to election year, all our demons come out."

Dr. Chambas encouraged both citizens and political parties to prioritize issue-based campaigning for the upcoming 2024 general election.

"So please let us focus on messages when we are choosing our leaders in this country,” he emphasized.