In Ghana, former President John Dramani Mahama affirms his categorical opposition to LGBTQ practices
The former president of Ghana and current opposition figure, John Dramani Mahama, expressed strong opposition to LGBTQ practices on Wednesday, citing conflicts with his Christian beliefs. During a gathering with Ghanaian religious leaders, Mahama stated that due to his faith, he could not accept same-sex marriage. « The faith I have will not allow me to accept a man marrying a man and a woman marrying a woman », Mahama asserted during the event.
This statement comes amid an intensified debate on LGBTQ rights in Ghana, with parliament discussing an anti-LGBTQ bill. If passed, this legislation will impose severe sanctions on LGBTQ community members, including a ban on Ghanaians identifying as LGBTQ and an increase in the maximum penalty for homosexual activities from three to five years. The bill also prohibits advocating for LGBTQ rights.
Ghana already criminalizes homosexual relationships, punishable by a three-year prison sentence. John Dramani Mahama, who served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, is currently a candidate for reelection in the upcoming December presidential elections.
Representing the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, the 65-year-old seeks to regain the presidency against the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo. Mahama’s stance on LGBTQ issues could influence the political debate in Ghana, where these issues have become a major concern.
