The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly reiterated his opposition to the introduction of LGBTQ+ practices in Ghana, emphasizing that such practices contradict the country’s religious beliefs and cultural values.
Speaking in Anyinam during his Eastern Regional tour, Dr. Bawumia addressed a gathering that included clergy, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders, affirming that both the Bible and the Quran, alongside Ghanaian traditions, do not support LGBTQ+ activities.
Dr. Bawumia’s comments came after the Member of Parliament for Atewa East, Abena Osei Asare, inaugurated a newly constructed constituency office. The NPP flagbearer made it clear that, under his leadership, the party would resist any attempts to introduce LGBTQ+ ideologies into the fabric of Ghanaian society, regardless of external pressure or the potential costs involved.
“Nananom, recently there have been some issues about the introduction of LGBTQ which advocates for same-sex marriages, that thing will never happen in this country, we won’t allow such to occur here in Ghana. It is not in the Bible and Quran too, it is not also in our tradition, culture or values so we will stand firm and resist its introduction no matter the cost, we won’t agree for it to destroy our country,” Dr. Bawumia said, receiving applause from the assembled crowd.
His statement underscores the NPP’s firm stance on the issue of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, reflecting the party’s alignment with conservative social and religious values. The majority of Ghana’s population adheres to Christianity and Islam, both of which hold traditional views on marriage and sexuality, further bolstering Dr. Bawumia’s position on the matter.
Dr. Bawumia’s comments come at a time when the debate over LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana has gained international attention. While some global organizations and countries have advocated for the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, the country’s leadership, including the NPP, remains steadfast in its opposition, pointing to cultural and religious reasons as the basis for their stance.
In addition to his firm position on LGBTQ+ issues, Dr. Bawumia also addressed concerns raised by the traditional leaders regarding illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.” Illegal mining has been a significant challenge in Ghana, leading to widespread environmental degradation, including the pollution of rivers and destruction of forest reserves. The country’s water bodies have been particularly affected by the activities of illegal miners, posing severe environmental and health risks.
In response to these concerns, Dr. Bawumia expressed the need for a new approach to regulating small-scale mining in the country. He emphasized the importance of decentralizing the mining license issuance process, which he believes will empower local communities and traditional authorities to play a more active role in ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with environmental regulations.
“I want to bring a new regime into the small-scale mining sector. We need to formalize its licenses and also introduce community mining schemes. With this licensing regime, it will not be centralized in Accra, we will decentralize it to the local people and the chiefs. Nananom will be a key part of granting licenses,” Dr. Bawumia explained.
The proposed licensing regime seeks to streamline mining operations by involving chiefs and other local authorities in the decision-making process, ensuring that communities benefit from mining activities while mitigating the environmental impact. Dr. Bawumia’s plan also includes the formalization of small-scale mining, which would help curb illegal mining practices and protect the country’s natural resources.
The issue of galamsey has been a contentious one in Ghana for years, with successive governments struggling to find a sustainable solution. Dr. Bawumia’s proposal to decentralize the licensing process and involve traditional leaders directly addresses one of the key concerns raised by stakeholders—namely, the disconnect between national policies and their implementation at the local level. By empowering chiefs and community leaders to oversee mining operations, Dr. Bawumia hopes to create a more accountable and transparent system that benefits all parties involved.
The NPP flagbearer’s remarks have been well-received by many in the Eastern Region, as they align with the concerns of local communities regarding the preservation of their environment and cultural heritage. The involvement of traditional leaders in the mining licensing process is seen as a practical step toward addressing the environmental challenges posed by illegal mining while ensuring that local communities benefit from the country’s natural resources.
As the 2024 elections draw nearer, Dr. Bawumia’s positions on both LGBTQ+ issues and galamsey regulation reflect the NPP’s broader platform of protecting Ghana’s cultural values while promoting sustainable economic development. His emphasis on the role of traditional leaders in both areas also highlights his commitment to involving local communities in decision-making processes, a move that is likely to resonate with many voters, especially in rural areas where traditional authorities hold significant influence.
In summary, Dr. Bawumia’s Eastern Regional tour has reinforced his commitment to upholding Ghanaian cultural and religious values, particularly in opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, while also proposing a new approach to managing the country’s small-scale mining sector. By decentralizing the licensing process and involving traditional leaders in the regulation of mining activities, Dr. Bawumia aims to strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation, ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
