Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has made a definitive statement against the practice of LGBTQ in Ghana.
This marked his first public address on the contentious issue, where he clearly expressed his opposition in front of thousands of Muslim attendees.
During the Eid prayers in Kumasi on Thursday, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that his stance is not only influenced by his religious beliefs as a Muslim but also reflects the broader social and cultural norms prevalent in Ghana.
“Our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality,” Dr. Bawumia stated, adding that “The Holy Quran is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ acts, including same-sex marriages.”
He further declared his unwavering position against LGBTQ practices, asserting that all major religious traditions in Ghana, including Christianity and Islam, prohibit such behaviours.
“I cannot support that which my religion, and indeed, all the major religions in Ghana clearly and unequivocally forbid,” he pronounced, committing to maintain this stance if elected President.
The address comes at a time when Ghana’s Parliament has passed a robust anti-LGBTQ Bill, now pending Presidential assent.
However, the bill’s enactment is delayed as it faces constitutional challenges in court by human rights activists.
This situation places significant national attention on the views of political leaders like Dr. Bawumia regarding LGBTQ rights in Ghana.