The Association of Progressive Muslims has expressed joy at the public disclaimer of the practice of LGBTQ+ by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a press release dated April 11, 2024, the Association described the development as “good news.”
“Good news for mother Ghana and we’re so glad Alhaji Bawumia has listened to our call finally. However, we expect him to in the coming days, ensure that his boss, President Akufo-Addo signs the Anti- LGBTQ Bill for this matter to be brought to finality,” the release signed by President of the Association, Umar Harris stated.
The Association added “Without that, we’ll assume it is the usual political antics to deceive Ghanaians, like in the case of his promise to build Cape Coast a harbour, like his claim of shifting the focus of the economic management policy from taxation to production which, turned out to be the shifting of the focus of economic management policy from production to more taxation.”
Earlier, while speaking at a prayer session in Kumasi to mark the Eid Al Fitr celebrations, Dr Bawumia declared his opposition to the practice of homosexuality.
“It is important to note our cultural, societal and norms as well as values as Ghanaians frown on the same sex marriage. Further, as a Muslim my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith. My faith is strictly against the practice of LGBTQ+, No ifs, no buts. Therefore, I personally cannot support that which my religion and indeed all major religions in Ghana as well as our societal norms and values clearly forbid. All major religious are opposed to the practice and I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as president,” he said.
‘My faith is strictly against the practice of LGBTQ+; No ifs, no buts – Bawumia
“Ghanaians have leant many bitter lessons from Dr. Bawumia and Nana Addo, and won’t fall for any of his political gymnastics again. This is the same man who inspired hope into the poor that Mobile Money will not be taxed so Ghanaians should accept it to save his government from going to the IMF, what happened in the end? Mobile money tax was introduced and yet proceeded to the IMF.
Nobody trusts or takes Dr. Bawumia’s pronouncements serious again in Ghana. The only man who when is before Christians says he’s an active member of boys’ brigade and was called Timothy, and when he finds himself amongst Muslims then switch to say, “He was chosen because he is a Muslim” isn’t that a double standard?” the Association asserted.
“Ghanaians expect action and not his usual rhetoric. The only way to prove his commitment on the LGBTQ is to persuade his boss, President Akufo-Addo to sign the Anti- LGBTQ Bill as soon as possible,” the release concluded.