The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 3rd Vice Chairman, Alhaji Masawudu Osman, has called for President-elect John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his campaign promise by signing the controversial anti-gay bill into law after his inauguration. Osman argued that Mahama used the anti-gay bill as a strategic political tool during the 2024 elections to gain support, particularly in the Northern Region, where Mahama's claims about the NPP's stance on same-sex marriage bolstered the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) appeal among Muslim communities.
According to Osman, Mahama falsely accused Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP's presidential candidate, and President Akufo-Addo of conspiring to legalize same-sex marriage in Ghana. Osman contended that this tactic worked in the NDC's favor, helping them win more votes in the Northern Region, where the Muslim population felt particularly vulnerable to the alleged liberal stance of the NPP. He referred to Mahama’s actions as deceitful, suggesting that it was a deliberate attempt to gain electoral advantage.
Despite these political tactics, Osman emphasized that Mahama must now take immediate action to pass the anti-gay bill into law, as the NDC had made significant political capital out of it. He remarked that while Mahama had benefited from using the bill as a campaign issue, it was time for him to deliver on his promise. Osman stated that Mahama should sign the bill immediately upon taking office, signaling the NPP’s anticipation of the bill’s swift enactment. He also warned that Ghanaians would not forgive the NDC for what he perceived as dishonest campaigning, which had relied on unfounded accusations against the NPP’s leadership.
Osman further revealed that the NPP intends to advise President Akufo-Addo against signing the bill into law before his term ends, asserting that this was now Mahama’s responsibility. He reminded the NDC that they held a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which gives them the power to pass the bill with minimal opposition. As such, Osman firmly stated that the NDC had no legitimate excuse for delaying the process and that Ghanaians were eagerly awaiting Mahama to follow through on his campaign commitment.
The anti-gay bill, which has stirred intense debate across Ghana’s political and social landscape, remains divisive. While religious groups and a significant portion of the public strongly support the bill, arguing that it aligns with Ghanaian family values, critics claim that it undermines human rights and equality. In light of this, Osman’s comments add further pressure on Mahama and the NDC to act decisively, passing the bill into law in line with the president-elect’s previous rhetoric. However, with the bill’s potential implications for Ghana's international relations and human rights reputation, its passage is likely to remain a contentious and highly scrutinized issue.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0