The contention about the practices of LGBTQ+ in Ghana has remained one won by the general public as most Ghanaians, due to their cultural and religious values, frown on the practice. The public’s extreme posture concerning the bill stems from the need to preserve Ghanaian cultural and family values.
This took a more political turn when the issue went as far as Parliament to be legislated on. Given the present issues concerning the LGBTQ+ bill passed in Parliament which is awaiting the President’s assent, political leaders are being forced to make clear their stance regarding the practice of LGBTQ+.
As it is an election year, the posture of politicians on the practice of LGBTQ+ and the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, according to some, will either make or break their electoral ambitions. It is, therefore, no surprise that after remaining silent on the issue for weeks, the Vice President and flagbearer for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) finally took a stance.
“The Holy Quran is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ+ acts including same-sex marriages. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality, with no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’. No shades of grey… I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as President, Insha Allah”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Considering the Vice President’s religious background, it is predictable what his stance concerning the bill will be regardless of the President’s refusal to assent to the bill which some NPP members also have some contentions with.
The President’s stance on the bill and the Vice President’s initial silence regarding the issues surrounding the bill sent a message to some electorates who hold dear their beliefs concerning LGBTQ+ practices that the Vice President did not care about Ghanaian values.
This, according to experts, made the Vice President lose favor and popularity with most electorates even some who are loyal NPP supporters.
The Vice President declaring his stance on the bill even if it is too late, may regain him some lost votes but not entirely, given that he is part of the government of the day whose President is unwilling to assent to the bill.
Effect On Election
While the LGBTQ+ bill is definitely a matter of importance to Ghanaians, whether or not it will hugely influence their choices during the election is another question. No doubt it will be a factor to be considered but other more pressing issues take priority over the LGBQT+ bill in Ghana’s political landscape.
“I think because it has been central to the Parliamentary discussion, it sort of raised an awareness among the people. Going into the election, I do not foresee a similar level of intensity unless there is some kind of controversies around it especially coming from the office of the President”.
Prof. Kobby Mensah
Furthermore, issues of the economy are at the top of factors that will influence the choices of the electorate in the December 2024 General Polls. Like previous elections that led to a change in government in Ghana, voter choices will largely be influenced by the health of the economy.
As such Ghanaians will likely vote for the candidate they feel has the best plans that will effect economic recovery and bring some respite to citizens and their businesses.
Moreover, issues like access to quality health delivery and education will likely take precedence of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill when voters make their decision on whom to vote for during the December 7th election.
The present state of health delivery in the country is appalling. The health sector is in dire need of both human resources and logistics to function properly, therefore it is only practical that electorates will favor this over the LGBTQ+ practice which is not prevalent in Ghanaian society.
Also, with the constant strike actions the education sector has witnessed within the last couple of months from the pre-tertiary levels through to the tertiary level, stakeholders of the sector will likely consider policies of political leaders that seek to address issues of the sector first in making their choice during the election.
Conclusively, while the anti-LGBQT+ bill may matter to Ghanaians, issues such as job creation, stability in power supply, high standard of living, and the availability of good roads among many others are of utmost importance to Ghanaians. Therefore, while it may have some influence on voter choices, its potency will be little.
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