A photo capturing the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and the NPP parliamentary candidate for Assin North, Charles Opoku, kneeling for prayer at a church has gone viral on social media.
The image, taken ahead of the by-election scheduled for June 27, 2023, has elicited diverse reactions from online users.
In the viral photo, Chairman Wontumi can be seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt paired with blue trousers, while Charles Opoku is dressed in a light green kaftan. Both individuals are depicted with their eyes closed and hands folded in front of them in a humble posture.
Social media users have expressed a range of opinions regarding the viral image. Some users, such as Chris Atadika, commented on the perceived humility of the politicians, sarcastically stating, “Be humble like politicians who want your vote!”
Another user commented, “See how they’re humbly bowing just to seek power, but these same people will question a Christian’s submission to the church.”
Also, a user by the name of Dr. Pscho questioned the rationale behind the kneeling of the two politicians “Which kind of political marketing strategy be dix please.”
The photo has ignited a broader conversation about the authenticity of public figures’ religious displays during political campaigns. Critics argue that such acts could be perceived as insincere attempts to win public favor or manipulate religious sentiment for political gain. Others contend that it is important to separate political posturing from genuine religious devotion.
Read some of the messages below:
They visited this Church within the constituency and they were asked to kneel down for prayers,you want to do your political whatever with this one too?
— JR (@ReestonJnr) June 11, 2023
