NBC NEWS
The presidential candidate of Ghana’s ruling party, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, said on Thursday he was opposed to “the practice of homosexuality,” a stance he promised to maintain if elected in December.
President Nana Akufo-Addo faces pressure to sign into law one of Africa’s most severe anti-LGBTQ bills, which has been criticized by rights advocates and the United Nations.
Speaking at prayers marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Bawumia did not refer to the bill but said: “It is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality.
“All the major religious traditions in Ghana are opposed to this practice and I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as president,” he said, setting out his position for the first time as a candidate.
Bawumia’s main presidential rival, former president John Dramani Mahama, made similar comments in January.
Their views will find favor with many in the culturally conservative West African nation, where gay sex is already punishable by up to three years in prison and LGBTQ people routinely face harassment and abuse.
