Bawumia’s Psalm 118:22 Message: How a Biblical Cornerstone Informs National Healing in Ghana

Introduction: A Verse of Resilience in Ghana’s Political Landscape

In a significant national address following a pivotal electoral period, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Flagbearer of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), publicly anchored his personal and national resilience in the timeless words of Psalm 118:22. Speaking at a National Thanksgiving Service held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Bawumia highlighted the verse—“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”—as a profound source of inspiration. This act transcends simple religious quotation; it represents a strategic and symbolic invocation of a powerful biblical metaphor to frame the narrative of Ghana’s journey toward post-election unity, forgiveness, and collective innovation. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized analysis of this moment, exploring the theological depth of the cornerstone verse, its application to Ghana’s socio-political context, and the broader implications for leadership and national healing. We will dissect the key messages, provide historical background, offer practical insights, and answer critical questions surrounding this poignant reference.

Key Points: The Core of Bawumia’s Message

Dr. Bawumia’s speech, centered on Psalm 118:22, communicated several interconnected and actionable points aimed at the Ghanaian public and his political base:

• Personal and National Source of Strength: He explicitly stated that the verse strengthens and inspires him, positioning it as a foundational text for navigating political challenges.
• The Cornerstone Metaphor: By referencing the “stone the builders rejected” becoming the “cornerstone,” he drew a parallel between a biblical narrative of reversal and redemption and Ghana’s potential to emerge stronger from electoral divisions.
• Call for Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The primary application was a direct appeal for Ghanaians to forgive one another for past disagreements, framing reconciliation as a non-negotiable precursor to national progress.
• Acknowledgment of Ongoing Healing: He recognized that the national healing process is incomplete but affirmed that the initial steps taken were positive and commendable.
• Gratitude to Religious Leaders: Specifically thanking charismatic church leaders for their prayers and support, he credited their spiritual intervention with contributing to a peaceful electoral process and urged continued reliance on their prayers.

Background: Context of the Address and the Psalm

Ghana’s Post-Election Atmosphere

The speech was delivered on February 15, 2026, during a National Thanksgiving Service. This timing is crucial. It falls within the delicate period after general elections, a time often marked by political tension, polarization, and the need for national consolidation in Ghana’s vibrant democracy. The choice of a religious venue—a university chapel—and a thanksgiving service underscores the attempt to frame the political moment within a spiritual and moral discourse. By addressing the nation from this platform, Bawumia sought to elevate the conversation above partisan politics, appealing to shared faith and common values as a basis for unity.

The Origin and Journey of Psalm 118:22

Understanding the weight of the reference requires a brief exegesis. Psalm 118 is part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally associated with major Jewish festivals like Passover. Verse 22, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” is a quintessential example of a “text of reversal” or a “messianic psalm.” In its original Israelite context, it likely celebrated God’s surprising salvation, where the discarded becomes foundational. Its significance multiplies in the New Testament:

• Jesus’s Application (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17): Jesus quotes the verse to describe Himself, asserting that His rejection by the religious and political “builders” of His day (the Sanhedrin, Roman authorities) would not be the end but would lead to His ultimate, foundational role in God’s plan.
• Peter’s Application (Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7): The early church applied it directly to Jesus as the rejected but now essential cornerstone of the new spiritual community.
• Theological Meaning: The “cornerstone” (Hebrew: pinnah) was the first and most important stone set in a building’s foundation, determining the alignment and stability of the entire structure. To call something the cornerstone is to declare it indispensable, foundational, and the source of unity for all that follows.

Analysis: Deconstructing the Metaphor’s Power

Political Symbolism: From Rejection to Foundation

Bawumia’s invocation is rich with political subtext. In the aftermath of a hard-fought election, there are clear “builders” (the electorate, political actors, institutions) and there are “rejected stones” (losing candidates, their supporters, perceived failed policies, past grievances). By selecting this verse, Bawumia makes a bold claim: the elements that were rejected or defeated in the electoral process are not to be discarded as waste. Instead, they contain the potential to become the very foundation of a new, stable, and unified Ghana. This is a masterful narrative shift from a story of loss to one of latent potential. It encourages the “rejected” (his party’s base, those who felt marginalized) to see value in their position and invites the “builders” (the victors, the broader society) to incorporate this “stone” for true stability. It suggests that lasting national structures cannot be built on the exclusion of any significant segment.

Theological Depth vs. Pragmatic Utility

This usage raises a classic question: is this a sincere theological statement or pragmatic political messaging? The answer is likely both, and in the Ghanaian context, the two are often deeply intertwined. For a largely religious populace, a biblical anchor provides moral authority that secular arguments lack. The verse offers:

• A Divine Blueprint: It frames national reconciliation not merely as a social strategy but as aligning with a divine pattern of redemption and restoration.
• Hope and Dignity: It restores dignity to those who feel rejected by giving them a promised foundational role.
• An Obligation: If the rejected stone *becomes* the cornerstone, then the builders have a duty to place it correctly. This implies an obligation on the part of the winning coalition to integrate the opposition meaningfully.

However, the pragmatic utility is undeniable. It provides a shared, culturally resonant story that can supersede partisan rhetoric. It calls for a focus on the future (“going forward”) rather than the past.

Charismatic Christianity and Public Life in Ghana

The specific thanks to “charismatic congregations” is noteworthy. Charismatic and Pentecostal churches are among the fastest-growing and most socially influential religious movements in Ghana. Their emphasis on prayer, spiritual warfare, and direct divine intervention makes their support a powerful political asset. By thanking them for their “prayers and business environment” (likely a transcription error for “prayer environment” or “spiritual cover”), Bawumia acknowledges a key constituency and reinforces the idea that Ghana’s peace is a result of spiritual vigilance. This solidifies a crucial alliance and signals that his vision for the nation includes this vibrant religious sector as a permanent partner in national development.

Practical Advice: Applying the Cornerstone Principle

The metaphor’s power lies in its actionable implications. For leaders, communities, and individuals seeking to apply this principle of turning rejection into foundation, consider these steps:

1. Identify the “Rejected Stones”: Consciously audit your community, organization, or nation. Who or what is being marginalized, ignored, or written off after a conflict or competition? This could be an opposition group, a dismissed idea, a grieving demographic, or a failed policy with hidden merits.
2. Re-examine Perceived Weaknesses: Actively search for the latent strength in these rejected elements. What unique perspective, resilience, or foundational truth do they hold? The “rejection” often stems from a mismatch with the old structure, not an inherent flaw.
3. Intentionally Integrate: A cornerstone is not placed accidentally. It requires deliberate action. Design processes, dialogues, and structures that formally incorporate these “stones.” This means power-sharing, co-creation of policy, public acknowledgment of past wrongs, and ensuring representation.
4. Communicate the New Narrative: As Bawumia did, craft and repeatedly share the story of how the rejected element is now essential. Use shared symbols, stories, and language to build a new collective identity around this integrated foundation.
5. Anchor in Shared Values: For the metaphor to hold, the “building” must have a clear purpose. In Ghana’s case, Bawumia points to “national innovator” (likely meaning “innovator” or “renewal”). Define the common goal—be it economic prosperity, social cohesion, or technological advancement—that makes the cornerstone indispensable.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

Why is Psalm 118:22 called a “cornerstone” verse?

It is called the cornerstone verse because it explicitly uses the architectural metaphor of a cornerstone—the first and principal stone that determines the orientation and stability of an entire building. In biblical theology, it symbolizes a person or principle that is foundational, essential, and unifying for a community or nation.

Is it common for politicians to use the Bible in this way?

Yes, it is a common rhetorical device, especially in societies with high religiosity like Ghana and the United States. It serves multiple functions: it connects the speaker to a faith-based audience, imbues a political message with transcendent moral authority, and taps into a deep cultural reservoir of stories and symbols that resonate more deeply than purely political language. The key is the appropriateness and perceived sincerity of the application to the current context.

What is the difference between a “cornerstone” and a “keystone”?

This is a common point of confusion. A cornerstone is set at the base of a corner of a building; it is the first stone laid and determines the alignment for all subsequent stones. It is foundational and structural. A keystone is the central, wedge-shaped stone at the apex of an arch; it is the last stone placed and locks all the other stones into place, bearing the most weight. While both are essential, the cornerstone emphasizes foundation and beginning, which aligns perfectly with the theme of starting a new national chapter from a base of reconciled elements.

Does using this verse mean Bawumia is conceding the election?

Not necessarily. The verse is about the fate of a “rejected stone,” not about conceding defeat. Its power is in its universal application. Bawumia, as a political leader, could be speaking to his own supporters (the “rejected” ones if they lost) and urging them to see their role as foundational for the *future* of the *entire nation*, regardless of which party holds power. It is a call for a inclusive nation-building project that transcends the winner-take-all paradigm. It can be read as a long-term strategy for his political movement to remain relevant as an essential part of the national fabric.

What are the potential risks of using such a specific biblical metaphor in a pluralistic society?

The primary risk is perceived exclusivity or coercion. In a religiously diverse nation, a specifically Christian metaphor, while familiar to a majority, may not resonate with Muslim, traditionalist, or non-religious citizens. A skilled orator must ensure the underlying principle—finding strength in what is rejected, the necessity of inclusive foundation-building—is communicated in universally accessible terms alongside the specific reference. The focus should be on the shared national outcome (unity, progress) rather than on doctrinal agreement.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of a Foundational Metaphor

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s highlighting of Psalm 118:22 is far more than a ceremonial religious quote. It is a sophisticated piece of political and moral communication that leverages one of humanity’s most powerful archetypes: the story of the discarded becoming essential. In the complex ecosystem of post-election Ghana, this metaphor serves multiple vital functions. It provides personal solace and strength to his followers, issues a clarion call for national reconciliation based on a transcendent model, expresses strategic gratitude to a key religious constituency, and attempts to redefine the political narrative from one of division to one of integrated foundation-laying.

The true test of this message’s power will be in its practical outworking. Will the “rejected stones” of Ghanaian society—be they political opponents, ethnic minorities, or economically disenfranchised groups—indeed be sought out and intentionally incorporated as the cornerstone of a new national structure? The verse promises stability and unity only if the builders (the entire nation) have the wisdom and courage to place that stone rightly. Bawumia’s speech plants the seed of that vision. Its growth into a lived reality depends on the collective will of all Ghanaians to see the strength in what they once rejected and to build together upon it.