Ghana’s vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the ruling party’s presidential candidate, has spoken out against LGBTQ+ activities, claiming that they violate his religious beliefs and the country’s cultural traditions.
This is the first time Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has publicly expressed his views on LGBTQ+ issues, which are currently splitting the West African country.
In February, Ghana’s parliament enacted a contentious measure criminalizing LGBTQ+ behaviors and activism.
Several organizations have subsequently put pressure on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with some asking him to sign the measure into law and others warning that doing so might result in the loss of critical foreign assistance.
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“On the issue of LGBTQ… it is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality,” Mr Bawumia was quoted by AFP news agency as telling a group of Muslims during Eid celebrations on Thursday.
“Furthermore, as a Muslim, my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality. No shades of grey,” the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate added.
Dr Bawumia also told Reuters that he will continue to condemn LGBTQ+ behaviors if elected president.
John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s former president and Dr Bawumia’s primary competitor in the December presidential elections, similarly rejected LGBTQ+ behaviors in February, claiming they contradicted his Christian faith.
