Vice President of Ghana and the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has remarked that his religion wouldn’t permit him to support LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, emphasizing the opposition of the Islamic faith and other religions in the country.
The Vice President’s remarks come amidst growing calls from various quarters, especially within certain Muslim communities, for clarity on his stance regarding the LGBTQ issue.
Many Ghanaians and other faith-based organizations have called for the President of Ghana to assent to the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill which is currently passed by parliament that seeks to criminalize the practices of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo’s delay in signing a bill into law regarding LGBTQ issues adds further complexity to the ongoing discourse. As Ghana navigates these discussions, the statements from Vice President Bawumia serve to underscore the government’s stance on LGBTQ rights and its commitment to upholding traditional religious values.
Addressing the congregation during the Eidul-Fitr prayers at the Kumasi Central Mosque in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his unwavering position against LGBTQ activities, emphasizing that they would not be tolerated under his leadership.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Remarked on LGBTQ
First of all, it is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality.
Furthermore, as a Muslim, my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith. The Holy Quran is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ acts, including same-sex marriages. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality, no “ifs” or “buts”. No shades of grey.”
Therefore, I personally cannot support that which my religion, and indeed, all the major religions in Ghana clearly and unequivocably forbid. All the major religious traditions in Ghana (Christianity and Islam) are opposed to this practice and I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as President, Insha Allah. The Vice President remarked.
