I am anti-LGBTQ; “no ifs”, “no buts”—Bawumia

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has stated that he is unwaveringly against LGBTQ activities being practiced in Ghana.

Addressing Muslims gathered at Kumasi for the National Eid prayers on Thursday, Dr. Bawumia said that, as a Muslim, he is strongly against the practice and, therefore, cannot support it.

Dr. Bawumia said that his disagreement with the practice is because all the major religious sects in Ghana are opposed to same-sex unions; hence, he cannot sanction it.

“First of all, it is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality,” Dr. Bawumia said. 

“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,” Dr. Bawumia said.

According to him, even as president, he will stand against the practice.

“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 NPP’s flagbearer’s declaration comes after his opposite number in the NDC, John Mahama, submitted earlier this year at a meeting with clergymen in Koforidua that he cannot approve of LGBTQ practices because of his faith (as a Christian).

“The faith I have is against a man marrying a man and a woman marrying a woman,” Mr. Mahama said.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, was passed by parliament on February 28, 2024, imposing a minimum jail term of three years and a maximum of five years.

However, President Akufo-Addo has yet to assent to the bill because he argues that a court action has been brought against it by a citizen.