As the debate on homosexuality rages on, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has explicitly kicked against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) practices in Ghana.
Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the governing NPP, holds a strong belief that the Ghanaian society opposes such practices, so he will not promote activities associated with LGBTQ+.
“It is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality,” Dr Bawumia stated in his stance against LGBTQ+.
He added that there was no middle ground in the debate of LGBTQ+ as all religions in Ghana view such practices as taboo.
“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,” he emphasised.
“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.”
Dr Bawumia made this known in his speech to Muslims during the Eid Al-Fitr prayers and celebrations held in Kumasi on Thursday, April 11.
It will be recalled that Parliament in early February 2024, approved the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
With the approval, persons who promote, sponsor and support LGBTQ+ activities will face a custodial sentence of three to five years.
Those caught engaging in LGBTQ+ activities are to face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.
The passage of the bill has triggered reactions from some of Ghana’s development partners, international financial institutions, and CSOs in the country.
The ministry warned that such action could lead to severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods Institutions.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General has also advised the President against taking any action until all legal issues are resolved.
This is due to two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction against the anti-LGBTQ+ currently before the Supreme Court.