Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made a definite pronouncement on the ranging subject of LGBTQ+ and the quest to outlaw such activities in the country.
Addressing a group of Muslims during Eid-ul Fitr prayers in Kumasi, the Vice-President, who doubles as flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party, stated his stance against LGBTQ and its related activities.
According to him, such practices are abhorred by the Ghanaian culture and the various religious faiths in the country including his and thus, he cannot subscribe to that which his religious beliefs frown up.
“On the issue of 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,” he stated.
“The Holy Qur’an is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ acts including same-sex marriages. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality”.
He emphasized that, “therefore, I personally cannot support that which my religion, and indeed, all the major religions in Ghana as well as our societal norms and values, clearly and unequivocally forbid. I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as president, Insha Allah”.
His pronouncements come on the back on fresh calls by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on him to state his stance on the matter which has dominated headlines since 2021.
Recently, Parliament passed a bill sponsored by some Members of the House seeking to proscribe the practice.
However, two private citizens have petitioned the Supreme Court in a bid to stop a transmission of the bill to the presidency and its assent by the president.
On the basis of the impending lawsuits, the presidency has cautioned Parliament against transmitting the bill to the president for a possible assent.
In a letter addressed to the Clerk of Parliament, the presidency asked the House to desist from transferring the bill as that, in its view, will be undermining the authority of the court.
This, however, has not gone down well with the legislature, resulting in a rift between the two arms of government.
