Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with Nana Adu Abankro II, Otumfuo’s Buabasa Gyasehene at the Eid celebration
The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has asserted that he is opposed to the practices of LGBTQ+ in Ghana.
In his first public commentary on the issue, Dr. Bawumia said his view on LGBTQ+ aligns with the position of his Islamic faith.
“The Holy Quran is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ acts, including same-sex marriages. My faith is therefore very strict against the practice of homosexuality, no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’. No shades of grey,” he told thousands of Muslims in Kumasi during Eid prayers yesterday.
“One such verse is Quran Chapter 7 Verse 81 (Suratul Al-A’raf), where Almighty Allah emphatically forbids LGBTQI+ acts and describes them as acts that transgress beyond the bounds or the limits of nature,” he stated.
The NPP flagbearer noted that the Ghanaian cultural and societal norms and values frown on the practice of homosexuality.
“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.
“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,” he solemnly declared.
Dr. Bawumia’s public declaration drew spontaneous applause from the crowd, the majority of whom were heard chanting, “Allah is great.”
Some of them also praised Dr. Bawumia for his bold declaration. Muslims used the religious occasion to pray passionately for the country, especially as it prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections in December.
The congregation prayed to Allah for a peaceful general election to guarantee the continuation of Ghana’s democracy.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi