Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged to sign “anti-witchcraft and LGBTQ+” into law if he is successful in becoming President of the African country,
Dr Bawumia, the leader of the “New Patriotic Party”, was speaking to congregants at the Believers Worship Centre on Sunday, December 1.
Dr Bawumia said at the event: “I am committed to ensuring that Ghana remains rooted in its cultural and moral values. If elected, I will sign into law the anti-LGBTQ+ bill and the anti-witchcraft accusation bill because our traditions and beliefs must be protected from undue external influence.”
Ghana criminalises same-sex sexual activity between men. Sentences include a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment. According to the Human Dignity Trust, there have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBTQ+ people in recent years, including assault, mob attacks, arbitrary detention, extortion, and discrimination in accessing services.
The bill, which seeks to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities, is currently awaiting approval by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, pending the resolution of legal challenges regarding its constitutionality.
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment on the matter on December 18.
Speaking during a worship service at the Philadelphia Church in Kumasi, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his commitment to endorsing the bill once all legal processes are concluded.
“There are many policies or works that are not completed yet. And I know that when I come into power, I will do these works to make sure that everyone is happy.
“There are some policies pending in Parliament which I know are very important to our father. One is the bill for the LGBTQ. When I come to power I will sign it without hesitation and the second thing is the Anti-witchcraft bill.”
